Garrett, IN – An Indiana man was apprehended Friday night following a high-speed chase through a construction zone in DeKalb and Noble counties, resulting in a crashed patrol car and multiple felony charges.
The Indiana State Police reported that the pursuit began at approximately 9:30 p.m. when a trooper attempted to stop Dusty E. Dawkins, 43, on SR327 near Warfield Street in Garrett for allegedly driving without tail lights. Dawkins reportedly ignored the trooper, sped south on SR327, and disregarded a “road closed” sign due to construction on CR56.
According to police reports, Dawkins made a U-turn and fled northbound on SR327, colliding with a second trooper’s patrol car. Despite stop sticks damaging his tires, Dawkins continued the chase into Noble County. Officers deployed additional stop sticks before executing a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver near Avilla, forcing Dawkins’ vehicle into a ditch.
Dawkins resisted arrest but was eventually removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Police reportedly discovered cocaine in his possession, leading to additional charges. Dawkins faces several felonies, including resisting law enforcement, operating while intoxicated, and possession of cocaine. He is currently held at the DeKalb County Jail.
