Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana

Local News

February 7, 2010

I-74 chase goes from Greensburg to Indy

An Indiana State Police trooper was injured while patrolling Interstate 74 in Decatur County early Sunday, Feb. 7.

Trooper Chris Howell observed a vehicle stopped on the westbound shoulder of I-74 just west of the State Road 3 Greensburg exit at about 12:30 a.m., reported Sgt, Noel Houze, ISP Versailles District public information officer.

When Howell made contact with the driver, Brian Graves, 51, Indianapolis, he suspected him to be intoxicated. Further investigation revealed Graves had three active warrants for his arrest. One was from Marion County for a parole violation for possession of cocaine. Graves also had two other active warrants for failure to appear on traffic violations in Switzerland and Rush counties.

In addition, Graves’ driving status indicated he is a habitual traffic violator.

When the trooper attempted to take Graves into custody, he fled on foot and attempted to get back into his vehicle. During the scuffle, Graves pushed Howell, who fell to the ground, striking the back of his head on the pavement. Graves then sped away in his maroon 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck.

The trooper was able to contact dispatch and request an ambulance for his injuries and to give a description of the suspect vehicle. A short time later, Shelbyville police observed the vehicle traveling westbound on I-74 and when they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect tried to elude officers, leading them on a chase into Marion County. It ended at about 1:20 a.m. when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers deployed stop sticks, bringing the suspect vehicle to a halt, Houze said.

Formal charges will be filed later this week against Graves in Decatur County and can include operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating as a habitual traffic violator, resisting law enforcement and battery on a police officer.

Graves could also be facing charges in both Shelby and Marion counties that stem from the pursuit. Graves is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail.

Howell, 38, was transported to the Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg, where he underwent treatment for a contusion on the back of his head and he also received stitches in a finger that was cut during the scuffle. The trooper was released shortly thereafter.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
AP Video
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Seasonal Content
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.