Due to several complaints of illegal drug activity, thefts, burglaries, and driving complaints in the far Southeast part of the county, Dubois County Sheriff’s Department has continued extra patrol in and around the town of Birdseye.
A police chase that occurred on Thursday morning resulted in a Birdseye man arrested for possession of meth and other charges after crashing his vehicle in a ditch.
18 year old Tristan Harlan of Birdseye was driving a Red 1990 Chevrolet pick up truck south on State Road 145 inside the town limits when Dubois County Sheriff deputies tried to conduct a routine registration check and pulled behind the pick up truck however, Harlan sped away at a high rate of speed. The Deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop but Harlan continued to flee south on State Road 145 at speeds estimated at 80 to 90 mph.
Harlan lost control of his truck south of the Birdseye Loop Road, traveling off the west side of the road and striking a ditch. The impact and high rate of speed caused the vehicle to roll several times coming to rest partially in the roadway facing west. Harlan was able to exit the vehicle under his own power but refused to comply with the police commands.
Two more officers arrived and Harlan was detained. During the arrest officers found a plastic baggie containing meth on Harlan. He was taken to memorial hospital for his injuries and later admitted to never having received a license.
18 year old Tristan Harlan is facing charges of Driving Never Licensed/False or Fictitious Registration/No Insurance/ Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle along with Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia.
