Wanted Ind. Man Stops Chase to Smoke From Glass Pipe Before Swimming From Deputies
What to Know
- LaPorte County sheriff's deputies tried to stop a vehicle linked to wanted suspect Jacob Gilmore, but he fled, kicking off a chase that stretched from the northern part of the county to the south.
- The chase ended when Gilmore's SUV left the roadway and became partially submerged in a waterway, where authorities say he refused commands, stopped to smoke from a glass pipe and then attempted to swim away.
- Deputies entered the water after Gilmore, rescued him after he went underwater and became unconscious, and took him into custody after he regained consciousness and allegedly tried to flee again on foot.
LAPORTE COUNTY, IN—A 30-year-old man who was wanted on an outstanding warrant allegedly led police on a vehicle pursuit, stopped midway for a smoke and attempted to evade arrest multiple times, according to police.
Deputies with the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office located a vehicle Thursday evening that was associated with Jacob A. Gilmore, of Union Mills, who was wanted on criminal charges of invasion of privacy and domestic battery. The vehicle was observed traveling west on U.S. 20 at around 4:50 p.m., according to police.
The deputies observed a traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop in the area of U.S and County Line Road, and the vehicle stopped shortly after the stop was initiated.
"But as Deputy Biggerstaff was preparing to exit his vehicle, the GMC suddenly accelerated and began traveling south on County Line Road triggering a motor vehicle pursuit (MVP)," police said.
The pursuit led the officers from the north side of the county to the south until Gilmore turned onto Horseshow Bend Road, also known as Miller Lane. The vehicle reportedly left the roadway and became partially submerged in a waterway. Officers ordered Gilmore to leave the vehicle, and said he refused to comply.
"He even proceeded to light a glass pipe and begin smoking from it," police said. "Gilmore eventually exited the SUV and began to swim further away from deputies in the murky water."
The officers followed Gilmore into the water. According to the report, Gilmore went underwater and did not resurface. A deputy located Gilmore, who was unconscious, and brought him to the shoreline, where he received immediate medical attention.
"After regaining consciousness, Gilmore was taken into custody," police said. "Even after such, Gilmore attempted to flee again on foot."
He was transported for treatment and remains in custody at the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. He is now facing multiple felony charges for resisting law enforcement, possession of cocaine, criminal recklessness and more.
"Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations," police said. "Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."
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