Pursuit leads to the recovery of a stolen handgun

FULTON CO.  – On Saturday, November 25, 2023, two people were arrested after leading an Indiana State Police Trooper on a pursuit in Fulton and Marshall Counties. 

Around 3:23 p.m., Saturday afternoon, Trooper Jarod Sheetz was patrolling on US 31 in Fulton County when he located a Toyota passenger vehicle that was previously reported to be traveling northbound on US 31 without a rear tire. Trooper Sheetz attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the juvenile driver fled at high speeds and led Sheetz on a pursuit through Fulton and Marshall County roadways, reaching speeds of approximately 104 mph.

The pursuit continued north on US 31 to 13th Road (Marshall County), where deputies had tire deflation devices set up across the roadway. The Toyota struck the devices, deflating two tires. The juvenile ultimately lost control of the Toyota and crashed into the median near US 31 and the Lincoln Highway overpass.

The juvenile, along with a passenger identified as Emmanuel Luna, 18, Michigan, was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were sustained from the crash.

Further investigation revealed the juvenile did not have a license. A subsequent search of the Toyota revealed a handgun that returned stolen out of Michigan.

Luna was incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail on a charge of theft of a firearm.

The juvenile is facing charges of on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, theft of a firearm, and reckless driving in a highway work zone. He was released to his parent.

Trooper Sheetz was assisted by officers with the Indiana State Police Bremen Post, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth Police Department, Argos Police Department, and Lyons Towing.