A Princeton man and a Vincennes man are behind bars this morning after leading police on a car pursuit then a brief foot chase when they fled after crashing into a ditch last night near Birdseye.
40-year-old Zeberiah Stilwell of Princeton led State police on a vehicle chase Wednesday evening after motorists on I-64 reported a reckless driver traveling eastbound in excess of 100 MPH near the 58 MM.
Indiana State Trooper Nathaniel Kern observed Stilwell who was driving a Dodge Charger passing the Ferdinand exit. Trooper Kern was able to catch up to Stilwell near I-64 and State Road 145.
Police say Stilwell exited I-64 and traveled north on State Road 145 disregarding an INDOT barricade for a closed road.
Stilwell continuing northbound with Trooper Kern in pursuit made an abrupt u-turn, driving back south head-on towards Kern as he was attempting to exit his patrol car.
Police reported that Stilwell swerved before striking Kern and drove through a field near Taylor Hollow Road, before crashing into a ditch.
Stilwell and his passenger, 22-year-old William B. McCarter of Vincennes both then exited the vehicle and attempted escape on foot.
Trooper Kern apprehended McCarter near the crash location.
A short time after the crash the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department had received a 911 call from a homeowner reporting a suspect was attempting to break into their residence which was located near the crash location.
Indiana State Trooper Blunk and Dubois County Deputy Gogel arrived to the residence and spotted Stilwell running through the woods.
Trooper Blunk and Deputy Gogel were able to chase down and apprehend Stilwell.
Stilwell was taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital by ambulance for a medical evaluation, before he was transported to the Dubois County Jail where he is currently being held on no bond pending,multiple charges.
McCarter, was taken to the Perry County Hospital for a medical evaluation before he was transported to the Dubois County Jail where he is currently being held on bond facing one felony county of common nuisance, resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana.
