Foot Pursuit in Vigo County Lands Violent Felon in Jail

Vigo County – Friday, September 13, 2019, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Indiana State Police Trooper Brad Fyfe observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Poplar Street. After activating his radar, Trooper Fyfe received a reading that the vehicle was traveling 50 mph in a 30 mph zone.  The vehicle was a white SUV.  Trooper Fyfe then turned around and caught up to the SUV, activating his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop.  The white SUV then ran a stop sign at south 8th St. and Crawford St., turning east.  Once clearing the intersection, the white SUV turned immediately and came to an abrupt stop behind a residence.  

Trooper Fyfe then observed the male driver starting to exit the vehicle.  Trooper Fyfe ordered the driver to show him his hands and the driver complied with the request.  Once he showed Trooper Fyfe his hands, the driver fully exited the vehicle and then began to run, going west between two houses. Trooper Fyfe pursued the driver on foot, while giving verbal commands for the male to stop.  The male subject continued to run, stumbled and fell, but got back up and continued to run again.  As the male subject turned the corner at Crawford Street he once again fell, and it was at this time that Trooper Fyfe caught up to the subject, was able to detain him, and get him into handcuffs.  

Trooper Fyfe then identified the subject as Terrance L. Ballard, age 36, of Terre Haute, Indiana. During an inventory of Ballard’s vehicle it was discovered that a loaded revolver was in the vehicle. After running a criminal check, it was discovered that Ballard was not allowed to possess a handgun due to being a violent felon.  Marijuana was also located on Ballard’s person.  Further investigation also revealed that he was intoxicated and had a BAC of .20%.  Ballard was taken to the Vigo County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.  

Assisting:  Trooper Gerald Stump, Trooper Justin Bell, and the Terre Haute Police Department.

Arrested and Charges:

Terrance L. Ballard, 36, Terre Haute, IN

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 5 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle, Class A Misdemeanor
• Resisting Law Enforcement on Foot, Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving Endangering the Safety of Others, Class C Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
• Operators License Never Received, Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering Persons, Class C Misdemeanor  
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a BAC >.15, Class A Misdemeanor  

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.