A man from Virginia was apprehended near Corydon after two police pursuits on I-64 in southern Indiana. Mitchell Ray Lassiter Jr. faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and resisting law enforcement. Madison Courier reported
Virginia Man Arrested Following Two Police Pursuits on I-64 in Southern Indiana
A man from Hampton, Virginia, identified as Mitchell Ray Lassiter Jr., has been apprehended near Corydon, Indiana, after engaging in two high-speed chases on Interstate 64. Lassiter is now facing a range of charges, including possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest.
First Pursuit and Reckless Driving Incident
The series of events began when a concerned motorist traveling eastbound on I-64 contacted emergency services on October 27th. They reported a white Mercedes Benz passenger car driving recklessly as it neared the Corydon exit. Remarkably, this same vehicle had been involved in a pursuit earlier that day in western Indiana, but officers had ceased their pursuit. The Mercedes continued its journey eastwards.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a Harrison County deputy informed authorities that he had spotted the speeding vehicle traveling at 120 mph on the right shoulder of the road. The deputy immediately began pursuing the car in an attempt to apprehend the driver.
Second Pursuit and Arrest
Trooper Jeremy Simcoe, stationed just north of the Corydon exit on State Route 135, promptly responded to the situation. As he approached I-64, he witnessed the white Mercedes exiting the interstate and driving south on S.R. 135. However, the vehicle quickly performed a U-turn and headed back north towards the interstate.
Ignoring traffic signals and forcing other vehicles off the road, the Mercedes continued its reckless journey northwards. Eventually, the car turned onto Old S.R. 135 and then retraced its route towards the interstate. Upon entering I-64 westbound, the vehicle made a left turn into the median, where it became stuck. Lassiter, the 41-year-old driver, then fled the scene and attempted to climb a nearby rock wall near the on-ramp.
Trooper Simcoe pursued Lassiter and ordered him to lie on the ground. Lassiter was subsequently arrested without any further incidents. During a subsequent investigation, Simcoe discovered suspected marijuana and approximately 61 grams of suspected methamphetamine in Lassiter’s possession.
Charges and Incarceration
As a result of the pursuits and the subsequent investigation, Lassiter faces multiple charges. These include possession of methamphetamine, classified as a level 3 felony, criminal recklessness, a level 6 felony, resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor, possession of marijuana, also a class A misdemeanor, and reckless driving, categorized as a class C misdemeanor.
Trooper Simcoe received assistance from Officer Kays of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department during the arrest. Lassiter has since been incarcerated at the Harrison County Jail.
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