Yesterday at approximately 6:00 p.m., Trooper Chase Eaton was patrolling SR 57 near College Street in Oakland City when he observed a white 2003 Ford F150 pickup truck matching the description of a stolen vehicle reported earlier in Warrick County. The owner of the stolen vehicle also reported he had left a .22 caliber rifle inside his truck. Trooper Eaton checked the license plate and was able to confirm the vehicle was reported stolen. When the driver of the pickup truck turned south onto North Main Street in Oakland City Trooper Eaton attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver accelerated to a high rate of speed traveling on several different city streets before driving west on SR 64. The driver then drove south onto Franklin Street passing Wood Memorial High School before leaving the city limits and driving east on CR 200 South. The driver continued east at speeds in excess of 85 mph before driving north into a disked field approximately a quarter of a mile west of CR 1300 East. Trooper Eaton continued to chase the vehicle through the field for approximately ¼ mile until the driver crossed CR 1300 East and continued driving into a bean field. Trooper Eaton stayed on CR 1300 East while Gibson County Deputy Loesch and Oakland City Police Chief Tim Gaines continued pursuing the vehicle through the bean field with their SUV patrol vehicles. The driver of the pickup truck continued traveling north through the bean field for approximately ½ mile to CR 150 South where he attempted to enter a cornfield, but came to a stop after getting stuck. The driver, who was identified as Brandon Pool, 29, of Orleans, was arrested without further incident. Further investigation revealed Pool had three outstanding warrants out of Lawrence County Indiana. Pool was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
- Brandon Pool, 29, Orleans, IN
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Class 6 Felony
- Theft (Firearm), Class 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor
- Auto Theft, Class 6 Felony
Arresting Officer: Trooper Chase Eaton, Indiana State Police