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Wanted man leads police on chase, crashes stolen truck into south side Indianapolis home

Suspect repeatedly apologized after crash, doc alleges
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INDIANAPOLIS — A man who was wanted on at least six active warrants was arrested early Tuesday after he led police on a chase in a stolen vehicle and crashed into a home on the city's south side.

He was the suspect in three vehicle thefts within the last week and has a history of violent crimes, according to a probable cause affidavit. He is also known to be armed and "will flee from police whenever he has an opportunity," according to the affidavit.

The pursuit ended shortly before 1 a.m. when the suspect crashed a Ford F-150 with a home in the 2100 block of South Pennsylvania Street, which is near Madison Avenue and East Raymond Street, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Don Weilhammer.

Police were on the lookout for the man after he didn't appear for a scheduled court appearance on Monday, Weilhammer said. Officers came into contact with him about 12:30 a.m. in the area of East Raymond Street and South East Street, Weilhammer said.

There, officers saw him speeding in the stolen vehicle. They initially tried to stop him, but he fled through a dead end and onto a set of train tracks, prompting a pursuit.

At one point, the suspect rammed a police vehicle, causing it "substantial damage," according to the affidavit. A second police vehicle was damaged on railroad tracks, Weilhammer said.

The suspect later crashed into the porch of the home on South Pennsylvania Street, knocking down a support pillar. An officer then used his vehicle to pin the front of the truck to prevent the man from escaping,

After the crash, the suspect said he was sorry several times, according to the affidavit.

The home did not suffer any apparent structural damage, and no officers or civilians were injured, Weilhammer said.

The suspect was wanted on allegations of auto theft, firearms violations, possession of cocaine, and residential entry, among others.

He is in his late 20s, Weilhammer said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Marion County Jail records showed he was being held on several preliminary charges, including the following:

  • Resisting law enforcement
  • Auto theft
  • Operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of cocaine
  • Possession of paraphernalia
  • Residential entry
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Theft
  • Pointing a firearm
  • Carrying a handgun without a license
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon