Staff Reports
Indiana State Police arrested a Louisville man on numerous preliminary charges after he was accused of leading troopers on a 17-mile vehicle pursuit on I-65 through Jackson and Bartholomew counties Wednesday.
The incident began at approximately 4:30 p.m., when Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police-Versailles observed a black 2019 Volkswagon Jetta traveling northbound on I-65 near the 54 mile marker, just north of Seymour. The vehicle was traveling in excess of the speed limit and without registration plates displayed.
Wheeles attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle near the 55 mile marker at the Jonesville exit. The vehicle, driven by Derek Smith, 29, Louisville, Kentucky, fled northbound on I-65. Officers from multiple agencies assisted the Indiana State Police in pursuing Smith, troopers said.
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The vehicle entered Bartholomew County where it collided with two Indiana State Police vehicles near the 71 mile marker before coming to a stop, troopers said. Smith was then taken into custody without further incident. Smith was found to be in possession of two handguns. One of the handguns had reportedly been stolen out of Louisville, Kentucky. Smith was additionally wanted on a warrant out of Lafayette.
Smith was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Indiana for evaluation before later being transported to the Jackson County Jail. Smith was then incarcerated on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement in a vehicle, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and possession of a handgun without a permit.
Assisting at the scene were the Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Excise Police, Columbus Regional EMS, Columbus Township Fire and Rescue and 31 Auto Group.
