Vermillion County – July 27, 2020, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Vermillion County Deputy Cole West observed a Dodge Charger traveling southbound on State Road 63 just south of US 36 traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputy West activated his radar and received a reading of 112 mph in a 60 mph zone. Initially, the Dodge Charger stopped when it observed Deputy West’s emergency lights were activated, but once Deputy West approached the Dodge Charger on foot, it continued southbound on State Road 63. Deputy West quickly returned to his commission and pursued the Dodge Charger, which reached speeds over 150 mph. Deputy West eventually caught up to the vehicle while it was sitting stationary at the stop light at State Road 63 and Hazelbluff, but it again sped away once the driver observed Deputy West behind them.
The Dodge Charger continued southbound on State Road 63 at a high rate of speed pulling away from additional officers from the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and the Clinton City Police Department. The vehicle eventually turned west on New Goshen Road off of State Road 63, where pursuing officers eventually lost sight of the Dodge Charger. Trooper Brad Fyfe of the Putnamville State Police Post was located in the area on US 150 near Oakcliff Drive, when he observed the Dodge Charger traveling towards him at a high rate of speed. Trooper Fyfe then deployed his STOP sticks on the road and into the path of the oncoming vehicle. The Dodge Charger struck the STOP sticks with all four tires, flattening them and becoming disabled approximately a quarter mile down the road. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the driver immediately exited the vehicle and placed his hands in the air, surrendering to officers.
The driver was then identified as Dalton Ozzie James Seafler, age 27, of Paris, Illinois. During an inventory of Seafler’s vehicle, and person, it was discovered that he was in possession of marijuana and a syringe. Further investigation also revealed that he was intoxicated. Seafler was arrested and is currently being held in the Vermillion County Jail.
Assisting Agencies: Troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton City Police Department, and Department of Natural Resources.
Arrested and Charges: Dalton Ozzie James Seafler, 27, Paris, IL
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Felony 6
- Unlawful Possession of Syringe, Felony 6
- Intimidation, Felony 6
- Criminal Recklessness, Class B Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil, Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle With Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Class C Misdemeanor
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
