KNOX CO. — A Washington man was arrested Friday night, August 29, after a brief chase with Indiana State Police and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The incident began around 11:40 p.m. when Trooper Hurley stopped a black Jeep for running a red light on State Road 550 at State Road 67.
The driver, identified as Ian Stewart, 40, of Washington, showed signs of impairment. After additional officers arrived, Stewart was instructed to exit the vehicle for field sobriety tests. He refused, and when Trooper Hurley opened the door, Stewart fled south on SR 67.
The pursuit ended when Stewart drove off the highway and into a bean field just south of Church Road. He then stopped, got out of his vehicle, and lay down in the field in an attempt to hide. Officers set up a perimeter and used a public address system to order him to surrender. Stewart eventually complied and was arrested without further incident.
Upon searching Stewart, officers found two syringes containing a dark liquid. A loaded 9mm magazine was also discovered inside his vehicle, although a firearm was not located.
Stewart was transported to the Knox County Jail and is being held on bond on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, a Level 6 felony, unlawful possession of a syringe, a Level 6 felony, resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, possession of a weapon by a serious violent felon (possession of a loaded magazine), a Level 4 felony, and criminal mischief (damage to the bean field, a Class C misdemeanor. Toxicology results are pending.
The investigation is ongoing. Trooper T. Hurley was the arresting officer, assisted by Trooper B. Marsee and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
