Indy man arrested by Indiana State Police after 32-mile I-69 chase

On By Littum

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A man led Indiana State Police on a nearly hour-long car chase Thursday afternoon spanning 52 miles of Gibson County. According to the agency, a sergeant patrolling I-69 just after 1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. when he tried to stop a 2020 Penske truck for improper use of the left lane.

In Indiana, the left lane indicates that the left lane is for passing or faster moving vehicles. Slower vehicles must drive in the right lane and the left lane must face faster traffic. Violating the left lane law is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

According to Indiana State Police, the driver of the Penske truck was not in the proper lane, causing the driver of a coal truck to move onto the emergency shoulder to avoid a sideswipe crash.

The Penske truck driver then refused to stop and continued northbound at approximately 70 mph.

Traffic lights were deployed near Oakland City in Gibson County, but the driver was able to avoid them.

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A second set of stop pins were deployed near the 38-mile marker in Pike County.

The driver ran over the stop signs but was able to continue north on I-69 into Daviess County.

The driver eventually lost control on I-69 near the 53-mile marker as he swerved to try to avoid hitting another set of stop signs, causing his vehicle to flip onto its side and block both northbound lanes.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

The driver was identified as a 24-year-old man from Indianapolis.

A search of the truck revealed a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. The driver was taken to Daviess Community Hospital in Washington for minor injuries. Further investigations at the hospital revealed that the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was later arrested after being released. The driver faces charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

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IndyStar uses discretion in naming individuals accused of crimes, considering, among other things, the seriousness of the allegations and available information. Suspects cannot be named if a continuous reporting of the related legal proceedings is not immediately planned.

Jade Jackson is the Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at [email protected] and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.