VIGO COUNTY – Thursday, February 1, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Trooper Gerald Stump stopped a silver passenger vehicle on Lafayette Avenue near Garfield Avenue for expired license plates. As soon as the vehicle stopped, the driver immediately jumped out and ran on foot. Trooper Stump pursued the driver on foot, giving loud verbal commands for the driver to stop. Still, the driver disregarded the commands and continued running, jumping over several fences until one fence gave under the strain and broke. It was at this time that Trooper Stump deployed his taser striking the driver and immediately taking the individual into custody without further incident. The driver was then identified as Stephen C. Michael Jr., age 47, of Terre Haute. Further investigation determined that Micahel was under the influence of a controlled substance. Michael was medically cleared and taken to the Vigo County Jail, where he is detained.
Arrested and Charges: Stephen C. Michael Jr, 47, Terre Haute, IN
- Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
- OWI with a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Class C Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana, Class C Misdemeanor
- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor
- Criminal Mischief, Class B Misdemeanor
Assisting Troopers: Cale Adams, Cortland Woodruff, Bill Clark, Matthew Rea, and Daniel VanDuyn of the Putnamville State Police Post.
All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
