TIPPECANOE COUNTY – An early morning traffic stop attempt by an Indiana State Trooper led to the arrest of a Lafayette man on multiple charges, including resisting law enforcement and possession of methamphetamine.
At approximately 4:00 a.m., Trooper McKinney was patrolling near River Road and Tapawingo Drive in West Lafayette when he attempted to stop a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix for a traffic violation. The driver failed to stop and fled southbound on River Road.
Trooper McKinney continued the pursuit toward US 231. During the pursuit, the driver disregarded a red traffic signal before continuing southbound on River Road. A short time later, the vehicle came to a stop, and the driver was safely taken into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, troopers discovered the driver had active warrants out of Howard and Montgomery counties. Trooper McKinney also located suspected methamphetamine on the driver’s person.
The driver was identified as Najuan Thomas, 26, of Lafayette, Indiana. He was transported to the Tippecanoe County Jail.
Preliminary charges include:
- Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle – Level 6 Felony
- Possession of methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
- False informing – Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license – Class C Misdemeanor
Trooper McKinney was assisted by other troopers from the Lafayette Post, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Office, West Lafayette Police Department, and Purdue Police Department.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
