VIGO COUNTY – On August 8, 2026, at approximately 8:55 p.m., Trooper Zachary Grundell attempted to stop a truck near Wabash Avenue and 22nd Street for an equipment violation.Â
Trooper Grundell activated his emergency lights on his fully marked State Police commission. The truck failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued through the alleys of Terre Haute. The pursuit traveled approximately five blocks, ending when the pursued truck struck another vehicle at the intersection of 17th Street.
Following the collision, the driver exited the vehicle and ran. Trooper Grundell pursued the driver on foot, giving loud verbal commands to stop, but the driver disregarded the commands and continued running. Coming to a fence and having nowhere to go, the driver began running back towards Trooper Grundell. It was at this time that Trooper Grundell deployed his taser, striking the driver and taking him into custody with the assistance of Trooper Cole Boatright.
The driver was identified as Fred Joachimi, 56, of Terre Haute. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Joachimi was intoxicated and in possession of methamphetamine. Once medically cleared at a local hospital, Joachimi was arrested and is currently being held in the Vigo County Jail.
Joachimi is facing charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, a Class 6 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a Class 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor; operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor; and leaving the scene of an accident, a Class B misdemeanor.
Assisting Troopers: Cole Boatright and Brayden Stultz of the Putnamville State Police Post.
All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
