BEDFORD — A motorcyclist faces charges of reckless driving and resisting law enforcement after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash in Bedford on July 29, according to a Lawrence County Police Department probable cause affidavit.
Vivian Joy, 28, of Osceola, is accused of traveling at speeds exceeding 90 mph on State Road 37 before fleeing from a Lawrence County police officer and later crashing on Fifth Street in Bedford.
According to the affidavit, Officer Ryan Paschall was traveling northbound on SR 37 near Judah Junction at about 6:20 a.m. July 29 when he observed a dark green motorcycle traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. Paschall’s in-car radar indicated the motorcycle was traveling 93 mph.
Paschall turned around and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. As the officer approached Trogdon Lane, the motorcycle accelerated, prompting Paschall to activate his emergency lights and siren.
The motorcycle allegedly reached speeds of more than 100 mph during the pursuit and maintained a distance of at least 300 yards ahead of the patrol vehicle, according to the affidavit.
The motorcycle turned eastbound onto 5th Street in Bedford and again accelerated. Paschall said he lost sight of the motorcycle after turning onto 5th Street.
The officer notified Lawrence County Dispatch and requested that Bedford police watch for a dark green motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed. Paschall then terminated the pursuit and continued patrolling the area in an attempt to locate the motorcycle.
Shortly afterward, dispatch notified Paschall of a crash involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in the 1100 block of 5th Street.
When Paschall arrived, Bedford police officers and EMS personnel were already at the scene. He said he recognized the wrecked motorcycle as the same one he had been pursuing.
Joy was identified as the motorcycle’s driver. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Joy allegedly told Paschall he did not see the officer’s emergency lights or hear the siren because he had earbuds in. Joy also reportedly said he was running late for work and was focused on getting there quickly.
Paschall said a pair of earbuds was found on Joy after he was taken into custody.
Joy was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a medical evaluation. The affidavit states he had a scraped knee and abrasions to his elbow and knuckles. He was medically evaluated and cleared for release.
The affidavit also states that Bedford Police Capt. Drew Lemke provided two security camera videos that allegedly showed the motorcycle traveling at high speeds on 5th Street and on the wrong side of the road. The videos are expected to be attached to the case report.
Joy faces a Level 6 felony charge of resisting law enforcement while using a vehicle and a charge of reckless driving under Indiana law.
The allegations contained in a probable cause affidavit are not convictions, and Joy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
