Officials from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department played a vital role in helping apprehend a man wanted in multiple counties. The suspect led police on a car chase on I-70 before being arrested. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the suspect’s vehicle. The Daily Reporter – Greenfield Indiana reported
Officials from Hancock County Sheriff’s Department Assist in Multi-County Car Chase and Arrest
KNIGHTSTOWN — In a collaborative effort, officials from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department played a crucial role in assisting with a high-speed car chase and subsequent arrest of a man wanted in multiple counties. The incident occurred late last week and involved the use of various law enforcement techniques and equipment.
Indiana State Police Initiate Traffic Stop
The car chase began when Indiana State Police Trooper Clayton Fox attempted to pull over a Cadillac Escalade truck for an equipment violation at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. However, instead of complying with the traffic stop, the driver accelerated, prompting the trooper to initiate a pursuit. The chase initially started in Henry County and continued onto I-70, entering Hancock County.
De-Escalation Attempts by Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy James Heneghan, through his strategic positioning, managed to get ahead of the fleeing vehicle during the pursuit. In an effort to de-escalate the situation and safely apprehend the suspect, Deputy Heneghan deployed stop sticks. Although the stop sticks successfully deflated both passenger-side tires, the driver continued evading law enforcement. Remarkably, even with both tires coming off and the vehicle driving on rims, the suspect persisted in fleeing.
Assistance from Pendleton and Indianapolis Troopers
Several Pendleton and Indianapolis troopers joined the pursuit as it continued west on I-70. Their coordinated efforts ensured the safety of both law enforcement officers and the general public throughout the high-speed chase. Finally, at the 87.7-mile marker westbound, the truck lost its axles, rendering it immobile.
Arrest of the Suspect
The male driver, identified as 51-year-old Robert Workman from Akron, barricaded himself in the vehicle momentarily before deciding to flee on foot. To neutralize the situation and prevent any potential harm to officers or civilians, the police utilized both a pepper ball gun and a taser. The suspect was apprehended without further incident. Additionally, a female passenger, identified as 48-year-old Jennifer Workman from Indianapolis, complied with verbal commands and was also taken into custody without further trouble.
Discovery of Illegal Substances
Upon searching the vehicle, troopers discovered methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. The presence of these illegal substances confirmed suspicions that the suspect, Robert Workman, was involved in illicit activities. Further investigation revealed that Workman had three active warrants in three separate counties, strengthening the case against him.
Charges and Arrests
As a result of his actions, Robert Workman faces preliminary charges including resisting law enforcement with a vehicle (a Level 5 felony), possession of methamphetamine (a Level 6 felony), resisting law enforcement (a Class A misdemeanor), driving while suspended-prior (a Class A misdemeanor), criminal recklessness (a Class B misdemeanor), reckless driving (a Class C misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (a Class C misdemeanor).
Jennifer Workman, the female passenger, also faces preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine (a Level 6 felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia (a Class C misdemeanor).
Collaborative Efforts
The successful resolution of this incident was made possible through the combined efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the Pendleton Troopers Avery Weisbrodt and Mark Hanna, several troopers from the Indianapolis District of the Indiana State Police, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Affordable Towing, and the Indianapolis Fire Department.
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