Law enforcement agencies are still looking for the individuals involved in a multi-county pursuit on Thursday evening.
State Police say it began when a trooper from the Evansville District attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-64 in Warrick County. The vehicle refused to stop and continued from I-64 onto southbound US 231 in Spencer County. The trooper witnessed a handgun being thrown from the vehicle. At this time, the driver began displaying dangerous driving behaviors and the Indiana State Police discontinued the pursuit out of concern for the safety of others driving on the road.
Soon after this, a Spencer County Deputy discovered the vehicle abandoned and disabled in the southbound lane of US 231, just south of State Road 62 near Dale. The vehicle had a strong odor of marijuana and the handgun was recovered and later determined to be stolen.
Witnesses stated that they observed four subjects run from the vehicle and attempt to cross the median but stopped and ran back west across US 231 where they lost sight of them. All suspects were considered to be armed and dangerous at the time.
At this time police went to Heritage Hills High School and coordinated with school officials to stop all athletic events for the safety of the students and fans. The Indiana State Police helicopter and Perry County Sheriff Alan Malone, and his unmanned aerial vehicle were requested to assist at the scene.
While searching for the suspects, a Lincoln City resident notified police of a suspicious vehicle in the area with Kentucky plates.
The vehicle was found and stopped north of Lincoln City. The driver, Kyra Newsom of Louisville, was questioned by officers. During the investigation, enough probable cause was developed to establish that Newsom was summoned to the area to pick up the suspects who had earlier ran from the Trooper. Newsom was arrested for Assisting a Criminal and then transported to the Spencer County Jail.
Troopers then received information that another individual may have been contacted to drive to the area and pick up the suspects who were still in hiding in the area.
At around 12:48 am, Troopers stopped a gray 2014 Kia for a traffic stop. The driver and passenger were identified as Ronald B. Spencer Rodriguez and Andrew D. Carter. Troopers and offers were again able to establish probable cause that the men were in the area to pick up the fugitives on the run. They were both arrested and transported to the Spencer County Jail for assisting a criminal.
At this time, after extensive efforts of multiple agencies, the original suspects still have not been located. Troopers have individuals of interest and are continuing to identify and interview them. If any suspicious individuals are seen in the area, the investigating agencies strongly encourage citizens not to approach them but to call 911 immediately. Troopers, the Santa Claus Police Department, and the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department are still in the area at this time and will work with the North Spencer School to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for school students, fans, and the general public for any weekend activities.
It should be noted that none of the suspects or those arrested have ties to the North Spencer County area. It is believed that the first opportunity they have or had to leave the area will be or was taken advantage of.
If you have any information pertaining to this case please contact the Indiana State Police at Jasper 800-742-7475.
