Trooper’s vehicle struck during pursuit

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Wednesday  at 4:39pm, Indiana State Police Trooper Courtland Woodruff was on duty on Wabash Avenue when he observed a red 2005 Chrysler Sebring with an expired license plate. A database search indicated the vehicle was stolen. The vehicle then turned onto Van Buren Blvd heading south. Trooper Woodruff activated his emergency lights while behind the vehicle near Riley Avenue.

The vehicle initially came to a stop, however as Trooper Woodruff stepped out of his patrol vehicle, the vehicle took off. Trooper Woodruff requested assistance and pursued the vehicle with all emergency lights and siren activated. The pursuit started on Riley Avenue heading west towards Brown Avenue. At this time, Trooper Woodruff noticed items being thrown from the vehicle. Also during the pursuit, the vehicle hit Trooper Woodruff’s patrol car. The pursuit eventually ended after the vehicle lost control and hit a stop sign at the corner of Hulman Street and Brown Avenue.

Indiana State Police Troopers along with the Terre Haute Police Department quickly detained five suspects from the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed stolen out of Terre Haute. During the inventory of the stolen vehicle, a small baggie was located in the back seat containing suspected methamphetamine. Three suspects were transported to the Vigo County Jail with one being cited and released. The fifth suspect was a 16-year-old juvenile and transported to the Vigo County Juvenile Center. There were no injuries reported.

Car that struck state police cruiser

Arrested:    Megan Coleman age 19, of Terre Haute (driver).

                   Incarcerated in Vigo County Jail.

Charges:    Auto Theft, Child Endangerment, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of    Methamphetamine, Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Driving While Suspended (Prior), Reckless Driving and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated

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Arrested:    Katie Cheesman age 25, of Terre Haute

                   Incarcerated in Vigo County Jail

Charges:    Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Syringe, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and Possession of Paraphernalia

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Arrested:    Jonathon Hemmons age 21, of Terre Haute

                   Incarcerated in Vigo County Jail

Charges:    Wanted on Warrant out of Vigo County for Auto Theft

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Cited:         Harleigh Nicholson age 18, of Brazil (photo unavailable)

Charges:    Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia

Assisting were ISP Senior Trooper David Petrowski, Trooper Rondell Shelton and Trooper Brad Fyfe. Also assisting were officers from the Terre Haute City Police Department.