SELLERSBURG, Ind. — Three Indianapolis men were arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase across multiple counties on Friday.
Around 5:30 p.m., an Indiana State Police trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on I-65. Police reported that the vehicle was clocked at 87 mph in a 70 mph zone near the 14 mile marker. Once the vehicle was pulled over, the trooper started walking toward it, though it ultimately sped off.
According to ISP, the vehicle took the Sellersburg exit, re-entered the interstate on the northbound side and continued to head north at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
State troopers and other officers from nearby areas assisted in the chase, attempting to stop the vehicle with stop stick tire deflation devices. Police said the driver successfully evaded the stop sticks. The driver was also seen throwing an unknown substance out of the vehicle's windows.
The pursuit passed through both Scott and Jackson Counties on I-65. Then, just about five miles south of Columbus, the driver crossed the median. ISP reported that the vehicle drove northbound on the southbound side of the roadway before getting off at the Columbus exit.
As the vehicle began to exit, however, it struck another vehicle. Police indicated that the second vehicle only sustained minor damage and none of its occupants were injured. The driver of the truck continued fleeing north after the crash.
Finally, near the 81 mile marker, officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks, leading the pickup to stop near the 82 mile marker. The truck's three occupants were then taken into custody without further incident.
Police reporting on the incident shows that law enforcement also came to learn that the dealer plates on the vehicle were reported stolen.
The driver of the truck was identified as James Vinson, a 35-year-old Indianapolis man. He faces the following charges:
- Resisting law enforcement, a Level 6 felony
- Vehicle theft, a Level 6 felony
- Habitual traffic violator, a Level 6 felony
- Criminal recklessness with a vehicle, a Level 6 felony
- False informing, a Class B misdemeanor
- Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor
- Numerous warrants out of Marion County
Note: because the other two occupants were only charged with possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, FOX59/CBS4 will not be naming them. Should their charges be upgraded, that information will be changed.
If Vinson is convicted, he could face a prison sentence up to 2.5 years in prison.