Correctional Officer in Indiana Arrested After Fleeing Police, Crashing Car During High-Speed Chase
A correctional officer employed by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana was arrested after fleeing police and crashing his car during a high-speed chase. The chase took place Saturday night on U.S. 41 in Evansville.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assisted the Evansville Police Department in the pursuit and capture of the suspect. According to an affidavit seen by WFIE News, the chase began when Evansville Police Officers saw an orange Dodge Charger exceeding the speed limit.
The Charger was traveling alongside a red Ford Mustang that was also speeding. Officers reported that the Charger was making aggressive lane changes and estimated it was traveling 100 mph in a 45-mph zone.
Police reported that the Charger pulled away from the officer during the pursuit. The high-speed chase ended when the Dodge Charger crashed in the parking lot of a business.
Police reported that the driver of the Charger was a 20-year-old jail officer with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. The passenger in the Charger also stated that they did not know why the driver was being so aggressive. WEVV News reported that she claimed she was unaware of the police siren or lights because she was on her phone. She also stated that the driver at one point told her, “It’s the cops, it’s the cops, I’m f—–.”
The police report does not clearly state what led to the chase. However, the driver reportedly told police that he was driving northbound on U.S. 41 when the Mustang “lined up” next to him at the light. He denied knowing the driver of the Mustang. He also claimed he wasn’t racing the Mustang.
The speeding suspect ended up being taken to jail at the very place where he was employed
The Charger driver was arrested and eventually taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail, his very place of employment. He now faces charges of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving-high speed, motor vehicle-speed contest, and reckless driving-causing property damage. He was also placed on administrative leave pending further review.
“We have always held our deputies and officers to a very high standard, without exception,” said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson in a statement. “The actions taken last night reflect that commitment. I am deeply concerned by the irresponsible and untrue speculation circulating on Facebook. Allegations of bias, favoritism, or a ‘cover-up’ are completely false. Our agency has zero tolerance for misconduct and a well-documented record of holding our own accountable.”
