Driver Arrested in Vigo County after Failing to Stop for Trooper

igo County—This afternoon at approximately 3:49, Indiana State Police Trooper Erik Smith was patrolling northbound on US 41 near French Drive, when he was passed on the right by a Gold 2002 Toyota Corolla at 70mph and driven by a black male.

Trooper Smith activated his emergency lights and siren to stop the vehicle with the driver initially pulling over to the shoulder, but suddenly accelerated and fled northbound on US 41 at speeds of 80-90mph. The Corolla passed vehicles on the emergency shoulder and disregarded red lights at Harlan Drive and Jessica Drive. As the vehicle approached the south edge of Terre Haute, Indiana State Police terminated the chase because of increased traffic volume.

A short time later, Vigo County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the Corolla on northbound US 41 and again the vehicle fled. At some point, Vigo Co Sheriff Deputies, Terre Haute Police and West Terre Haute Police units attempted to impede the travel of the Corolla with ISP Master Trooper Ty Lightle deploying tire deflation devices just south of Chestnut Street on northbound US 41. The tires of the Toyota were disabled and the vehicle stopped at approximately 4:00p.m.

Initially four persons were detained, but the driver was ultimately the only one arrested. He has given multiple names and identification information. Troopers have yet to positively ID the driver, so he will be held in the Vigo County Jail until he is properly identified and answers to his initial charges of Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (felony) and Criminal Reckless with a Vehicle (felony) submitted by Trooper Erik Smith.

Early reports indicated a possible crash with other vehicles near the final stop, this was unfounded. There were no injuries involved in this event.

The Toyota Corolla was reported stolen out of Chicago earlier this month (June). Vehicle held for CPD.

Assisting were ISP Sergeant Joe Rutledge and Troopers Ty Lightle and Courtland Woodruff, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Terre Haute Police, and West Terre Haute Police.

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