Connersville – This morning around 12:40 a.m. Pendleton Trooper Aaron Edwards was working DUI patrol in Connersville. In the area of Third St. and Western Avenue, he observed a pickup that was driving without using headlights. Edwards turned on the vehicle and activated his lights. The pickup refused to stop and took off at a high rate of speed west out of Connersville on SR44.

Connersville City Police joined in with Edwards following and attempting to stop the truck. After turning south from SR44 the vehicle ended up on Columbia Rd. where it drove into a field and hit a tree. As Trooper Edwards got out and approached to check on the suspect’s welfare, the suspect got the truck moving and attempted to run over Trooper Edwards.

Edwards was able to avoid being struck and fired at the truck with his side arm, at which time the suspect stopped and surrendered. The suspect, Chad Neukam, age 39 of Connersville, was not injured by the gunfire. He was transported to Fayette Regional Health Systems for minor injuries received in the crash and for toxicology testing. Early indications are that alcohol may have played a role in the incident.

Neukam was treated at the hospital and then lodged in the Fayette County Jail with preliminary charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Fleeing, Class “D” Felony; Habitual Traffic Violator, Class “D” Felony and Possession of Marijuana, Class “A” Misdemeanor.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges could be filed. The Indiana State Police remains committed to reducing crashes and monitoring the top causes for crashes. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.

All suspects are presumed innocent Until proven guilty in a court of law.