Chicago Man Facing Gun and Drug Charges After Pursuit

On Tuesday afternoon, Trooper Clemans was patrolling Interstate 65 near the 174 mile-marker. Trooper Clemans attempted to stop a 1995 red Dodge Intrepid driven by James Brown, 31, Chicago, for speeding. Trooper Clemans activated his emergency lights as the Dodge was exiting I-65 northbound to State Road 25. The Dodge turned right to go northbound on State Road 25, went around the round-a-bout, and continued north on Old State Road 25.

Trooper Clemans continued to pursue the Dodge northbound on Old State Road 25 into Carroll County where the Dodge turned to go southbound on State Road 25 (Hoosier Heartland Highway). The Dodge continued southbound at a high rate of speed on State Road 25 back into Tippecanoe County. At the round-a-bout of State Road 25 and Old State Road 25, Brown lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road.

Brown fled from his vehicle on foot into the woods on the west side of the road. Officers pursued Brown on foot into the woods where he was safely taken into custody. After further investigation, officers located a handgun that Brown had thrown while running. Troopers also located suspected heroin, ecstasy, and marijuana inside the vehicle. Brown had an active warrant for his arrest out of Tippecanoe County for multiple counts of dealing a narcotic drug, which is a level 4 felony. Brown was arrested and transported to Tippecanoe County Jail.

Arrested and Preliminary Charges:

  • James Brown, 31, Chicago
  1. Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon – Level 4 Felony
  2. Possession of Narcotics – Level 5 Felony
  3. Dealing Narcotics – Level 5 Felony
  4. Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  5. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
  6. Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor
  7. Aggressive Driving – Class A Misdemeanor
  8. Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
  9. Operating a Vehicle Without a License – Class C Misdemeanor