The Indiana State Police Bloomington District ACES (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section arrested James Sykes, 55, of Bedford. Troopers had probable cause to believe Sykes was involved with dealing methamphetamine and heroin in Lawrence County.
At approximately 1:00 pm, Trp. Caleb Garvin observed Sykes operating a white, Honda scooter near 15th and G Street in Bedford. While traveling westbound on 15th Street, Sykes was observed changing lanes multiple times without the use of a turn signal and also disregarding a red light.
As Sykes turned north onto Lincoln Avenue, from 15th Street, Trp. Garvin turned on his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop on multiple violations. However, Sykes accelerated the scooter and refused to stop.
A pursuit was initiated.
During the pursuit, Garvin observed Sykes throw a small bag near the alley between L and K Street, north of 15th Street. As the pursuit continued, the scooter overturned. Trp. Garvin and Sgt. Greg Day then took Sykes into custody.
Sykes was uninjured from the crash and the scooter was not damaged.
Trp. Garvin went back and retrieved the baggie that he observed Sykes throw. Inside the baggie, troopers located approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine along with heroin and controlled substance pills.
Sykes was also found to be in possession of several hundred dollars.
Sykes was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses;
- Dealing Methamphetamine with a Prior Conviction, Level 2 Felony
- Dealing a Narcotic Drug (Heroin) with a Prior Conviction, Level 4 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony
- Possession of Narcotic Drug (Heroin), Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
