Decatur County man arrested after high-speed chase

A Decatur County man was arrested on a number of charges after he allegedly led Jennings County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high-speed chase.

Lt. Mike Mowery, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Department, says that at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, deputies were serving an arrest warrant in the northeast part of the county. While at the scene, deputies

Robert Ward, Jr.; Photo courtesy of the Jennings County Sheriff's Dept.
Robert Ward, Jr.; Photo courtesy of the Jennings County Sheriff’s Dept.

reported seeing a motorcycle traveling south on County Road 200 East near the Decatur/Jennings County line. Mowery says that as the motorcycle approached the deputies, it slowed down as if it was going to turn into the driveway. He says that when the motorcycle got to the driveway, it sped off, continuing south.

Mowery says that Sgt. Allen Ritchie got in to his patrol car to pursue the motorcycle. As Ritchie attempted to stop the motorcycle, the driver, Robert Ward, Jr., 65, of Westport, allegedly ignored him. Authorities say that Ward attempted to flee, reaching speeds over 100 mph. Mowery says that after traveling about three-miles, Ward turned into a driveway and turned off the motorcycle. He adds that Sgt. Ritchie ultimately found, and arrested, Ward while he was searching the area on foot. Deputies say that once Ward was in custody, they found him carrying approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine.

Ward is facing preliminary charges of Resisting by Fleeing (Level 6 Felony), Reckless Driving (B Misdemeanor) and Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony).

The Sheriff’s Department says that Ward was ultimately released on $3,155 bond.