SHELBURN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute man was arrested Thursday night after leading officers in a protracted pursuit, throwing various items including a handgun out his car window along the way, Sullivan County Sheriff Clark Cottom reported today.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Copeland attempted to stop a traffic violator on US Highway 41 near Shelburn. The driver, identified as Jeffrey L. Hickman, 38, of Terre Haute, refused to stop, turning east off the highway onto Mill Street.
A lengthy pursuit followed, eventually ending up in a rural part of the county. The driver went off the road, through multiple fields and eventually back onto the roadway.
During the pursuit, officers observed the driver throwing items out the window, including a handgun, which officers later retrieved. One of the items thrown damaged the deputy’s windshield.
Members of the Sullivan City Police and Indiana Conservation Police joined the chase. Officers were eventually able to deploy stop sticks, ending the pursuit.
Though Hickman refused to exit his vehicle, officers were able to remove him. No one was injured in the arrest.
Hickman was transported to the Sullivan County Jail, where he was charged with: dealing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by felon, both level 5 felonies, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, all level 6 felonies. Bond was set at $62,000, cash only.
The Shelburn Town Marshal also assisted in the investigation.
