Kokomo – Yesterday morning a short vehicle pursuit led to the arrest of Michael O’Bannon, 30, Kokomo, IN. O’Bannon was incarcerated in the Howard County Jail to face felony charges for possession of cocaine over 28 grams, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a stolen handgun, and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor charges for driving with a suspended license while having a prior conviction, and resisting law enforcement (without vehicle).
Saturday morning, at approximately 1:43 a.m., Indiana State Trooper Adam Moor was on routine patrol when he stopped a 2002 Saturn, allegedly driven by O’Bannon, for a traffic violation on Western Avenue near Jackson Streets, in Kokomo. As Moor was walking up to the Saturn, O’Bannon allegedly drove away. O’Bannon led the trooper on an approximately two minute vehicle pursuit, ending near Phillips and Jefferson Streets. O’Bannon purportedly stopped the Saturn and fled on foot. O’Bannon was located a few minutes later by officers from the Kokomo Police Department. He was found in the bathroom of a gas station near the location where he fled from the Saturn.
During the pursuit, Trooper Moor allegedly observed O’Bannon throwing items from the Saturn. During a subsequent search of the area, officers found a handgun and approximately 104 grams of cocaine. Further investigation revealed the handgun had been reported as stolen. O’Bannon also had $680.00 in his possession.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
(two photos attached)
-30- Slocum
