KNIGHTSTOWN – On Wednesday, November 8, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Trooper Clayton Fox attempted to stop a Cadillac Escalade truck on Interstate 70 near the 114-mile marker for an equipment violation.
When Trooper Fox initiated a traffic stop, the driver accelerated, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit started in Henry County and continued along I-70 and into Hancock County.
At this time, Hancock County Deputy James Heneghan was able to get ahead of the fleeing vehicle and attempted to de-escalate the situation by deploying Stop Sticks.
Despite the success of the Stop Sticks in deflating both passenger-side tires, the driver continued to flee in the vehicle. Eventually, both its passenger side tires came off, and the driver continued while driving on the rims.
Several Pendleton and Indianapolis Troopers assisted in the pursuit as it continued west on I-70. At the 87.7 mm westbound the truck lost its axles and became immobilized. The male driver, identified as Robert Workman, 51, of Akron, IN, barricaded himself in the vehicle for a short time before he reportedly fled on foot. Police de-escalated the situation by utilizing both a Pepper ball gun and a Taser deployment. Police took Robert Workman into custody without further incident on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, possession of meth, resisting law enforcement, driving while his driver’s license was suspended, criminal recklessness, reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A female passenger, identified as Jennifer Workman, 48, of Indianapolis, complied with verbal commands given by police. Police took her into custody without further incident on charges of possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.
Upon searching the vehicle, troopers located methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia in the truck. Further investigation determined that Workman had three active warrants in three separate counties. Police transported Robert to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.
Assisting in the incident were Pendleton Troopers Avery Weisbrodt and Mark Hanna, several troopers from the ISP Indianapolis District, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Affordable Towing, and the Indianapolis Fire Department.
