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.
