MITCHELL – A Mitchell man was arrested on multiple charges, including resisting law enforcement, causing bodily injury, after allegedly leading police on a brief pursuit.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Officer Blackwell, the incident began around 6:14 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd. Officer Blackwell was observing traffic near Doc Hamilton Boulevard and Meridian Road intersection when he clocked a vehicle traveling eastbound at 71 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone.
With no visible license plate, the vehicle continued eastbound for several hundred yards after Officer Blackwell activated his emergency lights. It finally stopped in front of Heidelberg Materials after the officer repeatedly activated his sirens.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Blackwell found the driver’s seat empty. Ryan Wayne Tuddy, 43, of Mitchell, was in the front passenger seat, claiming he had flash burn in his eyes from welding. Another man was in the back seat. Officer Blackwell noted the odor of marijuana near the vehicle.
Both Tuddy and his passenger allegedly gave conflicting accounts of who was driving. Tuddy stated the car belonged to his boss, and both denied driving. After backup arrived, both men were asked to exit the vehicle. The passenger complied, but Tuddy refused. When officers attempted to detain Tuddy, he allegedly resisted, tensing his arm against the officer’s control. Deputy Pope of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department assisted in taking Tuddy to the ground before he complied and was placed in custody.
After being read about their rights, the male passenger reportedly told officers that Tuddy had been driving and instructed him to take the front seat after the traffic stop was initiated. He also stated Tuddy had been smoking marijuana in the vehicle. Tuddy allegedly admitted there was a marijuana pipe in the car and that he had recently smoked marijuana, but denied anyone was driving.
A search of the vehicle reportedly yielded a marijuana pipe with residue and a bag containing jewelry and unidentified pills. Tuddy claimed ownership of the bag but stated the pills were supplements.
Tuddy was transported to Indiana University Health Bedford for medical clearance for his eyes before being taken to the Lawrence County Jail. The male passenger was released at the scene.
Tuddy was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor; criminal recklessness, a Class B misdemeanor; and resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor.
An affidavit of probable cause outlines the investigating officer’s belief that a crime has been committed. Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
