(GIBSON CO.) – Sunday at approximately 4:40 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Vennekotter was patrolling on US 41 near County Road 1025 South when he stopped the driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Impala for a vehicle equipment violation.
A computer check also revealed the driver, Brian Bobbitt, 48, of Princeton, had an active warrant out of Gibson County for a probation violation. A female passenger was identified as Kyanna McRoberts, 26, of Oakland City.
Bobbitt was ordered out of the vehicle, but he originally refused to do so. Bobbitt eventually opened the driver’s door, but immediately ran east and attempted to climb a wire fence east of US 41. Trooper Vennekotter attempted to pull him off the fence, but Bobbitt struck Vennekotter in his upper torso.
Trooper Vennekotter deployed his Taser after Bobbitt continued to climb over the fence. The Taser was effective, and Bobbitt fell over the fence and landed on the ground. Bobbitt pulled the prongs out and continued to flee on foot.
Before continuing to chase Bobbitt, Trooper Vennekotter ordered McRoberts to stay in the vehicle and not to move. Trooper Vennekotter continued to chase Bobbitt and eventually caught up to him approximately 250 yards east of US 41, but Bobbitt continued to resist and was able to run into an abandoned farmhouse.
Trooper Vennekotter ran to the back side of the farmhouse where he observed Bobbitt running north on a dirt road.
Moments later, a Haubstadt Police Officer arrived in his patrol vehicle and picked up Trooper Vennekotter before they drove down the dirt road and caught up with Bobbitt.
Both officers continued to chase Bobbitt before they were able to take him to the ground where he continued to resist. Bobbitt was finally placed into handcuffs and taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
Trooper Vennekotter received a minor injury during this incident.While Trooper Vennekotter was chasing Bobbitt, McRoberts got into the driver’s seat of the Chevrolet Impala and fled the scene. A Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy located and stopped the vehicle on CR 800 South at CR 325 West. When officers searched the vehicle, they found three grams of methamphetamine in McRoberts’ purse, a pill bottle containing marijuana on the driver’s door and a grinder was located in the backseat.
McRoberts was arrested and taken the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond
Brian Bobbitt, 48, of Princeton, is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer resulting in injury, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kyanna McRoberts, 26, Oakland City, is facing charges of possession of meth, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Assisting Agencies: Haubstadt Police and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.