A suspect is at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis after swallowing methamphetamine while trying to avoid arrest by North Vernon police.

The police department says that 26-year-old Justin W. Jarrell of North Vernon is facing charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and interfering in an investigation by destroying evidence.

The incident started at about 3:55 p.m. Tuesday afternoon near North State and Franklin streets when an officer noticed an SUV tailgating another vehicle. But when the driver saw the police flashing lights, he took off, weaving in and out of traffic for almost a mile before pulling into a lot. During the chase, police allegedly saw the driver rummaging in his center console.

Sgt. Andrew Richmond had police dog Heros check for drugs and while the dog smelled drugs, none were found. Police took Jarrell to the Jennings County Jail, but a short time later, he became ill and admitted to swallowing three grams of methamphetamine. He was taken to St. Vincent Jennings Hospital where he vomited up a baggie, allegedly containing drugs.

After his condition worsened he was taken to the Indianapolis hospital where he is in intensive care, Richmond says.