FEBRUARY 28, 2015
MIAMI COUNTY, INDIANA
Yesterday afternoon, a vehicle pursuit led to the arrest of
Tommie Payne IV, 23, South Bend, IN. Payne was incarcerated in the Miami County
Jail to face felony charges for obstruction of justice and resisting law
enforcement with a vehicle. He also faces misdemeanor charges for criminal
recklessness and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment.
Friday at approximately 1:59 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Ben
Reason was on routine patrol when he stopped a 2007 Ford Taurus, driven by
Payne, for traveling over the posted speed limit on U.S. 31near Miami County
Road 1500 North. When Reason was speaking with Payne, the trooper allegedly
smelled the odor of burnt marijuana emitting form the vehicle.
When Payne opened the car’s glove box, Reason purportedly
observed two small plastic bags containing a green plant like material, which
Trooper Reason believed was marijuana. At this point Payne allegedly drove away
southbound on U.S. 31. Payne led the trooper on an approximately eight minute
vehicle pursuit, at speeds ranging from 85 to 100 miles per hour. The vehicle
pursuit ended on U.S. 31 near Eel River Cemetery Road when Payne crashed while
trying to avoid stop sticks that had been placed in the road by responding
troopers.
After crashing, Payne emerged from the Ford and allegedly
ran away on foot. After a short distance, Payne surrendered due to the fact he
was surrounded by numerous Indiana State Police officers who had arrived to
assist.
During the vehicle pursuit, Payne allegedly threw out the
plastic bags Trooper Reason had observed in the glove box. Further
investigation revealed that Payne was allegedly driving while under the
influence of marijuana. He was not injured in the crash.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until,
and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two photos of Payne's crashed car are attached.