Miami County – Yesterday afternoon, a vehicle pursuit led to the arrest of Tommie Payne IV, 23, South Bend, IN. Payne was incarcerated in the Miami County Jail to face felony charges for obstruction of justice and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor charges for criminal recklessness and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment.
Friday at approximately 1:59 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Ben Reason was on routine patrol when he stopped a 2007 Ford Taurus, driven by Payne, for traveling over the posted speed limit on U.S. 31near Miami County Road 1500 North. When Reason was speaking with Payne, the trooper allegedly smelled the odor of burnt marijuana emitting form the vehicle. When Payne opened the car’s glove box, Reason purportedly observed two small plastic bags containing a green plant like material, which Trooper Reason believed was marijuana. At this point Payne allegedly drove away southbound on U.S. 31. Payne led the trooper on an approximately eight minute vehicle pursuit, at speeds ranging from 85 to 100 miles per hour. The vehicle pursuit ended on U.S. 31 near Eel River Cemetery Road when Payne crashed while trying to avoid stop sticks that had been placed in the road by responding troopers. After crashing, Payne emerged from the Ford and allegedly ran away on foot. After a short distance, Payne surrendered due to the fact he was surrounded by numerous Indiana State Police officers who had arrived to assist.
During the vehicle pursuit, Payne allegedly threw out the plastic bags Trooper Reason had observed in the glove box. Further investigation revealed that Payne was allegedly driving while under the influence of marijuana. He was not injured in the crash.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two photos of Payne's crashed car are attached.
-30- Slocum
