Sullivan County—Last evening at 9:30, Indiana State Police Trooper Brent Robinson spotted a tan 2000 Mercury four-door traveling northbound on West Street in Sullivan. Trooper Robinson recognized the driver as 38-year-old Joseph M. Smith of Sullivan and Robinson knew that Smith did not have a valid driver’s license. Trooper Robinson activated his emergency lighting and attempted to stop Smith. Joseph Smith failed to stop and fled westbound on Wolfe Street, across US 41, and continued westbound to County Road 325 West. Smith turned south and continued to disregard the emergency lights and siren of Trooper Robinson. After traveling over various county roads, Joseph Smith came to a stop in the driveway of 2600 South County Road 350 West, his mother’s residence. Trooper Robinson took Smith into custody and incarcerated Smith in the Sullivan County Jail on various charges with a $32,000 bond. Joseph Smith displayed signs of apparent intoxication, but refused a chemical test. The pursuit lasted nearly 15 minutes, covered approximately (8) miles, with a maximum speed of 80 miles-per-hour.
Arrested: Joseph M. Smith, age 38, of Sullivan, IN.
Charges: Criminal Recklessness (felony); Resisting Law Enforcement (felony); Operating While
Intoxicated-Prior (felony); Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment (misdemeanor);
and Aggressive Driving (misdemeanor).
Assisting near the end of the pursuit were the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and the Sullivan Police Department.
No mug photo or other pictures available.
The correct name is Joseph M. Smith, not James M. Smith..
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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