Orleans man arrested after fleeing from police

BEDFORD – An Orleans man was arrested Tuesday after a Bedford Police officer stopped his vehicle for a traffic violation at 16th Street and Plaza Drive.

The driver made an abrupt lane change in front of the police officer.

The driver then pulled into a parking lot of a closed business on Dental Drive. As the police vehicle approached, the driver pulled away traveling west on 16th Street.

The driver then pulled into a parking lot of another closed business in the 2920 block of 16th Street and the officer stopped the vehicle. 

The driver, 24-year-old Jacob Smitson, of Orleans, told the officer he was going to Taco Bell and pulled into the wrong drive.

The officer asked if Smitson had anything illegal on him and he stated he had a prescription in his pocket and then turned from the officer. 

The officer told him to stop, but he refused. The officer grabbed Smitson in an attempt to take the pill bottle. That is when Smitson pulled away and ran north through the parking lot. The officer was able to tackle Smitson and detain him. Smitson refused to cooperate and placed his hands under his body. After a short struggle, the officer was able to handcuff Smitson. The officer was able to locate the open pill bottle on the ground. Smitson denied swallowing the pills as he was fleeing.

He was arrested and transported to jail. After getting Smitson out of the police car the officers found a crystal substance in the seat that tested positive for meth.

Smitson was arrested on charges of obstruction of justice, resisting arrest by fleeing and force, and possession of meth.

If you know something, say something. Send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov or call Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 812-545-4700. All calls are confidential.