GRANT CO. – A Marion, Indiana, man was arrested on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after leading an Indiana State Police (ISP) Trooper on a high-speed pursuit in Grant County.
Just before noon, Trooper Doug Weaver was patrolling I-69 near State Road 22 when he received a report from Trooper Jesse Reason about a 2024 Dodge Durango traveling at a high rate of speed and following too closely. Trooper Weaver located the Dodge, which then made an unsafe lane change before exiting onto State Road 22 from I-69. Trooper Weaver also observed the Dodge disregard a stop sign and continue eastbound on State Road 22, reaching speeds over 100 mph. The driver was later identified as Joshua L. Balfour II, 22, from Marion.
The pursuit spanned several miles, with the Dodge continuing westbound on State Road 22. During the chase, the vehicle struck stop sticks near County Road 800 East. Trooper Reason then caught up to the Dodge on State Road 22 near I-69 and used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) with his police vehicle, bringing the Dodge to a stop.
Balfour exited the Dodge and fled the scene on foot, but was apprehended without incident shortly afterward.
During a search of the area where Balfour had fled, officers discovered approximately 25 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a handgun. A subsequent search of the Dodge revealed additional suspected marijuana. Further investigation revealed that the Dodge had been reported stolen from Michigan. Balfour was transported to the Grant County Jail.
As a result of the pursuit and ensuing investigation, Joshua L. Balfour faces preliminary charges including:
- Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
- Auto Theft (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Marijuana/prior (Level 6 Felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement (A Misdemeanor)
- Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (A Misdemeanor)
- Operator Never Licensed (A Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (C Misdemeanor)
Troopers Weaver and Reason received assistance from other members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Gas City Police Department, and the Upland Police Department.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
