Early Morning Pursuit Lands a Loogootee Man in Jail

LOOGOOTEE, IN -  An early morning pursuit in Martin County on February 26, 2009, ended when the vehicle's tires were deflated by spike strips. Preliminary investigation revealed that around 12:17 a.m., Trooper Jarrod Lents attempted to stop a blue and yellow Ford pickup in Loogootee for disregarding a stop sign at Poplar and Walnut Streets. 

The driver of the truck, James L. Peek, 22, Loogootee refused to stop the vehicle and fled.  Trooper Lents pursued the truck onto the county roads northeast of Loogootee where the pursuit was joined by Officer Todd Eckert of the Shoals Police Department, Major Andy Burkhardt of the Martin County Sheriff's Department, and Indiana State Trooper Aaric Correll. 

The pursuit continued on the county roads until it reached US 50 near the Martin County Fairgrounds.  At this location Officer Jason Hennette of the Loogootee Police Department deployed metal spike strips and the driver's side tires on the Ford truck were deflated.  Shortly after hitting the spike strips the Ford stopped and after a brief struggle with officers Peek was taken into custody. 

Officers discovered that the vehicle had been stolen earlier in the evening from Loogootee.  Officers also determined that Peek was intoxicated, had a suspended driver's license and was wanted on a warrant out of Martin County for Battery.  Peek was transported to the Martin County Jail where he was charged with the following crimes:

Arrested and Charges:

            James L. Peek, 22

            RR 3 Box 29A

            Loogootee, IN 47553

1.      Resisting Law Enforcement, D-Felony

2.      Auto Theft, D-Felony

3.      Operating While Intoxicated, A-Misdemeanor

4.      Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, A-Misdemeanor

                             5.      Several Traffic Infractions

Source: Indiana State Police