Sept. 29--ANDERSON, Ind. -- An Anderson man who allegedly tried to run over an Anderson police officer Wednesday night was arrested Friday after leading police on a high-speed chase through five counties.
According to police, the chase began in Anderson about 11:30 a.m. and reached speeds of 120 mph.
Police spokesman Detective Joel Sandefur confirmed the man's identity as Dustin Mullins, 28, who evaded arrest Wednesday night in a stolen 2002 Chevy Tahoe and allegedly attempted to run over Anderso police officer Warren Warren.
The vehicle was discovered later that night, abandoned in the 2700 block of Arrow Avenue. Police believe Mullins fled south on foot along nearby railroad tracks.
Police set up a perimeter in the area but were unable to make an arrest.
On Friday morning, Sandefur said, police received a tip from Crime Watchers that Mullins was near Community Hospital driving a 1999 Chevy Cavalier, which was also stolen.
Sandefur said that once Mullins realized police were after him, he got into the car and fled. Police gave chase, but due to Mullins' high rate of speed and the potential threat to other people, police suspended the chase.
Police Chief Larry Crenshaw said there was no need to put officers and the public at risk since the department already knew Mullins' identity. Anderson police contacted the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, and deputies from there pursued Mullins through Delaware, Henry and Wayne counties before finally apprehending him in Randolph County.
Mullins was preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement, theft and criminal recklessness.
Sandefur said Mullins has yet to be charged in connection with the events of Wednesday night.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department transported Mullins from Randolph County to the Madison County Jail. No bond has been set for his release.
Mullins also has an outstanding warrant for his arrest on a charge of Class A felony child molestation.
He was arrested July 10, 2011,for allegedly molesting a 4-year-old girl. The case went to trial earlier this year but resulted in a hung jury.
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings said he believes the girl's testimony points to Mullins' culpability and intends to retry him.
Cummings said a warrant for Mullins' arrest was filed Monday.
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Copyright 2012 - The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.
