MITCHELL — A routine traffic stop escalated into a 27-minute vehicle pursuit Saturday evening, ending with the arrest of a local man on multiple felony drug and resisting law enforcement charges.
Neil P. Tomson, 53, of Mitchell, was taken into custody on February 28 after leading an Indiana State Trooper through two counties and a heavily wooded area on foot.
The incident began at approximately 6:07 p.m. when Trooper Ben Burris, operating an unmarked patrol vehicle, observed a gray Mitsubishi Mirage traveling north on Huron Williams Road. According to the probable cause affidavit, the vehicle crossed the center line multiple times, prompting the trooper to initiate a traffic stop.
While the vehicle initially slowed down, it accelerated away as it turned onto Williams Road. Trooper Burris, who recognized Tomson from prior knowledge of active arrest warrants and a lack of a valid driver’s license, pursued the vehicle with lights and siren activated.
After a brief stop, Tomson refused orders to exit the vehicle and fled a second time. The ensuing chase lasted nearly half an hour, crossing from Lawrence County into Martin County. The pursuit finally ended when Tomson drove down a dead-end road off Stiles Road, abandoned the vehicle, and fled into the woods.
Trooper Burris pursued Tomson through thick brush and timber. As the trooper closed the distance, Tomson reportedly turned and threw a cigarette carton into the woods before being tackled and placed in restraints.
Investigators recovered the discarded carton, which was found to contain three separate plastic bags of meth, eight white pills identified as Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone (Lortab), a Schedule II controlled substance, and marijuana.
During a post-Miranda interview, Tomson reportedly admitted to police that he has never held a valid driver’s license. A records check confirmed his status as “never licensed” with a suspended identification card.
At the time of the arrest, Tomson was also wanted on three active warrants: two out of Martin County and one out of Lawrence County.
Tomson is facing charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of meth, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and operating a vehicle while never licensed.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
