FORT WAYNE – Troopers from the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post were involved in two pursuits over the weekend. Both resulted in the drivers being arrested.
The first pursuit started in Michigan and led Michigan and Indiana Police on a chase through both states. The Branch County Sheriff’s Department notified the Indiana State Police that they were in pursuit of a white Mercury Mountaineer headed towards Indiana on Saturday, May 16, just after 11:45 p.m.
The pursuit radio traffic was overheard by Indiana State Police Troopers who were in the area. During the pursuit, the vehicle crashed into a metal garbage container, sending it into another vehicle, causing damage.
The pursuit ended in Fremont, IN, near the 3000 block of Steuben County Road 700 North, when the vehicle crashed again. The driver, Jefferson Ridgway, 21, of Coldwater, MI, was arrested by Indiana State Police Troopers and taken to the Steuben County Jail on charges of resisting arrest with a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
The second pursuit was in Fort Wayne on Sunday, May 17, just before 2:00 a.m. A Trooper was working near Jefferson Blvd and Freeman St. in Fort Wayne when they noticed a black 2003 Nissan Murano weaving back and forth out of its lane.
This behavior continued until the suspect vehicle reached Jefferson Boulevard and Main Street, where the Trooper attempted to make a traffic stop. The black Nissan did not stop and led the Trooper on a pursuit through Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne Police Department assisted and was able to deploy stop sticks to safely deflate the vehicle tires in the area of Pontiac St. and Lafayette St. The vehicle slowed and came to a stop near Creighton St. and Barr St.
The driver, David Garcia, 27, of Fort Wayne, ran from the vehicle on foot. He was caught by the Fort Wayne Police Department after a short foot pursuit and transported to the Allen County Jail on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting arrest, operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment, OWI, and operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license.
Law enforcement works best when we stand together. The Indiana State Police is committed to assisting our partner agencies whenever they call, and we are equally grateful for their support when we need it. By working as a unified team toward a common goal, we strengthen the safety and well-being of every community we serve.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
