Boone County Sheriff Deputies, along with Lebanon Police Officers, searched for 24-year-old Michael Dean Mathis all morning, Tuesday, after a tip that he was in a stolen Chrysler Sebring. Earlier yesterday morning, Boone County Deputies received a call of a male standing at the end of a driveway in rural Thorntown. The man had been dumped after his passenger, Michael Mathis, convinced him to let him drive. During the switch, Mathis fled, dragging the victim a short way until he could escape. Later it was found that the victim, Peter Derziotis, was the suspect in the original report for the stolen Sebring, but still claimed Mathis stole it from him.When Derziotis’ crew arrived to pick him up from police, one of them was arrested on a warrant. Joselyn Culver 21, of Lebanon, was placed under arrest
regarding outstanding warrants for Failure to Appear and Probation Violation.
Through speaking with all involved, it was determined that Mathis was still in the area, in the stolen Sebring. All claimed that Mathis was out of his mind and
panicking. (It had been reported that Mathis previously fled Zionsville Police in a pursuit that ended in Mathis’ escape.)
Boone County Deputies and Lebanon Police Officers searched local and rural Boone County all morning until Mathis was spotted. BCSO School Resource Officer, Sergeant Jeremy McClaine, spotted the Sebring eastbound on County Road 200 South near Mid-Jamestown Road. Mathis immediately fled from McClaine at a high rate of speed. The pursuit went through the south end of Lebanon and ended on I-65 near the 141-mile marker. County and Lebanon units boxed Mathis’ vehicle in to slow him down. Mathis responded by ramming McClaine’s squad car. The vehicle pursuit ended, and Mathis fled on foot. Mathis was subdued after a short foot pursuit.
Mathis was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage accident, Resisting Law Enforcement and Criminal Mischief. Mathis recently boasted that he wasn’t going back to jail, and touted he had firearms. Great teamwork and determination lead to the arrest of Mathis as a fleeing felon, and a known drug user.
Sheriff Nielsen commented: “A long week of searching for Mr. Mathis has come to a safe end. Luckily no one was injured during the apprehension of Michael. Drug dealers and criminals of Boone County must understand, we will not stop until you are brought to justice. Our men and women of the Sheriff’s Office work tirelessly to make sure the citizens of this county are safe, and sound. We will do what we are paid to do, and that is protect and serve. Residents should feel a
little safer now that one more villainous individual is off the streets.”