On Friday, April 18, just before 10 p.m., an Indiana State Police trooper was reportedly patrolling near I-65 near the 175-mile marker when he was advised that, while conducting a separate traffic stop, a motorcycle with no taillights accelerated northbound at a high rate of speed.
The trooper allegedly observed the motorcycle near the 180-mile marker traveling over 100 miles-per-hour in a 70 miles-per-hour zone without taillights. The trooper reportedly attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the motorcycle allegedly failed to stop and continued northbound on I-65. The trooper pursued the motorcycle to the 188-mile marker where the pursuit was terminated, authorities report.
Region 1 dispatch alerted surrounding law enforcement agencies, which led a Remington police officer that observed a motorcycle matching the suspect’s description exit I-65 near the 201-mile marker onto US 24 without taillights to conduct a traffic stop as the motorcycle pulled into a gas station, authorities report.
The initial trooper reportedly arrived on scene and confirmed that the motorcycle and the rider matched those involved in the earlier pursuit. The rider was identified as James Jenkins, 38, of Remington, and he was taken into custody. During a search, the trooper allegedly located two firearms and suspected marijuana in Jenkins’ possession. Jenkins was transported to the Tippecanoe County Jail.
Jenkins faces preliminary charges of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Level 4 Felony, unlawful carrying of a handgun with a prior conviction within 15 years, Level 5 Felony, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, Level 6 Felony, possession of marijuana, Class B misdemeanor, and reckless driving, Class C misdemeanor.
