An Illinois man was arrested over the weekend in Vincennes for fleeing from the police in a stolen vehicle.
Saturday afternoon, just after 4:30 pm, Vincennes City Police attempted to stop a stolen 1995 GMC Sonoma pickup truck at the Red Roof Inn, but he driver, later identified as 27-year-old John Coonce of Bridgeport, IL, refused to stop and continued north on Old Bruceville Road at a high rate of speed.
Indiana State Police joined the chase after Master Trooper Goodman observed the stolen vehicle traveling east on Hillcrest Road. Koonce then turned east on Old Wheatland Road and then north on McClure Road. Koonce left the roadway at the intersection of Brouillette Road and drove into a yard of a private residence before continuing west on Brouillette Road and then driving north on Old Bruceville Road. Koonce then lost control at a curve just prior to Thompson Road and drove off the roadway into a wet field.
Koonce continued to elude officers by driving in reverse until the vehicle became stuck approximately 600 feet off the roadway. Koonce then exited the vehicle and fled on foot to the north. Officers continued to chase Koonce on foot for approximately ¼ mile before he surrendered without further incident.
Koonce was arrested and taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Koonce is charged with a Class 6 Felony count of Theft, a Class 6 Felony Count of Resisting Law Enforcement with a vehicle, a Class A Misdemeanor count of Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class C Misdemeanor count of Reckless Driving, and a Class A Misdemeanor Count of Aggressive Driving.
