Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, Trooper Matthew Clemans had stopped a white 2018 Dodge Charger on I-65, southbound near the 171 mile marker, for multiple traffic violations. Further investigation would reveal that the driver, Nathaniel Chavoues, 23 of Lexington, KY, did not have a valid driver’s license. Subsequently, a tow truck was called to the scene to impound the vehicle. As the tow truck arrived, Chavoues started the Dodge Charger, and fled from the scene. This would lead Trooper Clemans to initiate a pursuit.
The pursuit would continue south on I-65, exiting at the 168 mile marker, traveling a short distance eastbound on SR 38, then back north on I-65. After reaching speeds well in excess of the posted speed limit, the driver would again exit off, and get back on the interstate, this time at the 175 mile marker, and travel back south. The pursuit would continue south on I-65 for approximately 17 miles, entering into Clinton County, where deputies had stop sticks setup near the 159 and 158 mile markers. Chavoues was able to avoid the first set of stop sticks, but struck the second set. Chavoues attempted to abruptly come to a stop, but would instead lose control of his vehicle, and crash into an embankment on the west side of the interstate. Chavoues exited the vehicle and attempted to elude troopers and deputies on foot, but was taken into custody a short time later.
Trooper Clemans was assisted by ISP Sergeant Sean Schaefer, Trooper Devin Farmer, Trooper Jeremy Piers, deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, and Jim’s Garage.
Chavoues was not injured in the crash. He was arrested and taken to the Tippecanoe County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
-Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
-Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
-Aggressive Driving, Class A Misdemeanor
-Reckless Driving in a Highway Work Zone, Class A Misdemeanor
-Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
-Trafficking with an Inmate, Level 5 Felony
-Possession of Marijuana (w/ Prior Offense), Class A Misdemeanor