SOUTHERN 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 speeding on I-65. Court docs report that the vehicle was clocked in at 87 mph in a 70 mph zone, near the 14 mile marker. Once the vehicle was pulled over, the trooper started walking towards it, before it ultimately sped off.
According to ISP, the vehicle existed 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 these, and noticed him throwing an unknown substance out the window as it fled north.
The pursuit passed through both Scott and Jackson Counties on I-65. Then, just about five miles south of Columbus, Ind., the driver crossed the median. ISP wrote that the vehicle drove northbound on the southbound side before getting off at the Columbus exit. However, as it began to do so, it struck another vehicle. Court documents report that the second vehicle only sustained minor damage and no one was injured. The driver continued fleeing north.
Finally, near the 81 mile marker, officers were able to successfully deploy Stop Sticks, leading the pickup to stop near the 82 mile marker, court documents said. The three occupants were then taken into custody without incident.
According to court docs, officers also came to learn that the dealer plates on the vehicle were reported stolen.
The driver 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.
