Stolen vehicle driver captured after two-county chase

An Indianapolis man has been arrested after a chase of a stolen vehicle by troopers in Jackson and Scott counties.

According to Indiana State Police, the incident started when a car was reported stolen by Indianapolis Police and was believed to be headed south on Interstate 65. At about 7:50 a.m. Tuesday morning, troopers located the vehicle near the Seymour exit and along with a Seymour officer tried to pull the vehicle over, but instead the driver raced away eventually losing police in southern Jackson County. A state excise officer next located the vehicle attempting to refuel at a Crothersville gas station, however the attempt was unsuccessful and the driver took off again, heading south on U.S. 31 into Scott County.

Another trooper, along with officers from Crothersville and Austin police departments attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver avoided stop sticks and then crashed into a Crothersville police vehicle. The officer and his police dog were not injured. The driver then ran away along railroad tracks but was soon caught by authorities.

After being checked out by medics, 20-year-old Nicholas N. Lewis was arrested and taken to the Scott County Jail. He is facing charges including battery to a public safety officer with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, receiving stolen property, resisting law enforcement on foot, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal recklessness with a vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Indiana State Police