Police chase ends in the arrest of a Seymour man

A Seymour man was arrested after a Thursday morning police chase. Indiana State Police say the incident began at approximately 10 a.m. when Sgt. Brian Wilson responded to a two-vehicle crash on northbound I-65, near the 54 mile marker in Bartholomew County.

ISP say that the initial caller reported that one of the vehicles, a Jeep, left the scene of the crash and exited onto State Road 11. Sgt. Wilson

Damage to ISP vehicle sustained in pursuit. Photo courtesy of ISP.
Damage to ISP vehicle sustained in pursuit. Photo courtesy of ISP.

soon located the vehicle, driven by Joel M. Hankins, age 30, heading north on State Route 11 near County Road 450 South. As Wilson attempted to stop the vehicle, he reports that the Jeep fled, traveling west on Southern Crossing and State Route 58, before heading south into Jackson County.

State Police say that the 30-minute chase came to an end at County Road 400 West and County Road 900 North in Jackson County after Sgt. Wilson initiated a pursuit intervention technique which disabled Hankins’ vehicle. Hankins was taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities say that Hankins is facing preliminary charges of Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Reckless Driving, and Resisting Law Enforcement. ISP say that he was booked into the Bartholomew County Jail.

Indiana State Police are thanking the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbus Police Department for their help in this incident.