Local law enforcement and the Indiana State Police (ISP) had their hands full with vehicle slide-offs and fender-benders this weekend, but one incident sent an ISP Trooper to the hospital and ended in a car chase and arrest yesterday.
According to information supplied by ISP Sgt. Noel Houze, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, Tpr. Chris Howell was patrolling Interstate 74 in Decatur County when he observed a vehicle stopped on the west bound shoulder near the 133 mile marker. When Tpr. Howell made contact with the lone driver, he suspected him to be intoxicated. The driver was then identified as Brian Evans Graves, 51, of Indianapolis.
Further investigation by Tpr. Howell revealed that Graves had three active arrest warrants outstanding. One of those warrants was out of Marion County for parole violation and possession of cocaine. The other two warrants out on Graves stemmed from his failure to appear in court on traffic violations in Switzerland and Rush Counties. In addition, Graves’ driving status indicated he was a habitual traffic violator. After learning of his history, Tpr. Howell attempted to make the arrest.
As he tried to take Graves into custody, the suspect allegedly broke free and fled on foot, attempting to get back into his vehicle. During the scuffle, Graves pushed Tpr. Howell who fell hard to the ground, striking the back of his head on the cold pavement. Graves took advantage of his assault on the officer and sped away in his maroon, 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck.
According to Sgt. Houze, Tpr. Howell was able to contact dispatch and request an ambulance for his injuries and to give a description of the suspect vehicle. A short time later, officers of the Shelbyville Police Department observed the vehicle traveling westbound on I-74 and when they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect attempted to elude them, leading them on a chase. The pursuit continued into Marion County on I-74 and ended at approximately 1:20 a.m. near the 94 mile marker when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) deployed “stop sticks,” bringing the suspect vehicle to a halt after destroying his tires.
Formal charges will be filed later this week against Graves in Decatur County and could include operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating as a habitual traffic violator, resisting law enforcement and battery on a police officer. Graves could also be facing charges in both Shelby and Marion Counties that stem from the pursuit through those counties. Graves is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail.
Tpr. Howell, 38, was transported to Decatur County Memorial Hospital where he underwent treatment for a contusion on the back of his head. He also received stitches in a finger that was cut during the scuffle. Tpr. Howell was released shortly after the incident.
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