COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) attempted to conduct a traffic stop a little before 11 p.m. Monday on a car in the area of Buckingham and Farmstead Drives, just off North U.S. 31.
The vehicle failed to pull over and deputies initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle led law enforcement on a chase throughout eastern Bartholomew County.
During the pursuit, the car stopped. The passenger and driver reportedly switched seats and the chase continued.
The Columbus Police Department deployed a tire deflation device which the suspect vehicle struck near U.S. 31 and East County Road 50N. Then, the Indiana State Police executed a PIT maneuver (Precision Immobilization Technique) on the suspect car. No injuries were sustained during the PIT maneuver and no vehicles were damaged.
During the subsequent felony stop Brandon Burton, 24, and Audrianna Hoover, 18, both of Columbus, were taken into custody. BCSO searched the vehicle and allegedly discovered narcotics and drug-related items. Both were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where they remain in custody on 48-hour holds.
Burton was booked for Resisting Arrest with a Vehicle, Operating While Intoxicated – previous, Operating while Intoxicated – endangerment, Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Legend Drug, Possession of Meth, Possession of Look-a-like Substance, Reckless Driving, and two Bartholomew County warrants.
Hoover was charged with Resisting Arrestwith a Vehicle, Operating While Intoxicated, Operating while Intoxicated – endangerment, Reckless Driving, Possession of a Syringe, and Possession of a Look-a-like Substance.
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Burton-Courtesy-BCSO
Hoover-Courtesy-BCSO