A Huntingburg man was arrested early this morning after he led Troopers on a pursuit through two counties.

Around 10:53 P.M., Trooper Andrew Beaver was patrolling US 231 near County Road 200 South, south of Loogootee, when he observed a southbound motorcycle at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.

Trooper Beaver activated his radar, which indicated the motorcycle was traveling 71 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. Trooper Beaver activated his emergency lights and siren in attempt to initiate a traffic stop; however, the motorcycle accelerated, attempting to flee.

Arrested was James Schepers, 21, 104 North Cherry Street, Huntingburg.

The motorcycle continued south, with speeds reaching as high as 115 miles per hour. After crossing into Dubois County and through Haysville, the pursuit was terminated. Trooper Beaver contacted the Jasper Police Department to observe for the motorcycle.

At approximately 11:00 P.M., Jasper Police located the motorcycle southbound into Jasper, still in excess of 100 miles per hour, and continued the pursuit. The motorcycle turned west on 36th Street, and continued for less than a mile before stopping behind a residence at 1146 West 36th Street. Jasper Police placed the driver and passenger in custody until Trooper Beaver arrived.

The driver, James Schepers, 21, Huntingburg, was transported to the Martin County Jail by Indiana State Police for Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Recklessness, and Reckless Driving. The female passenger on the motorcycle was released without charges. Charges against Schepers in Dubois County may be pending as a result of the incident.

Schepers was charged with – Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 5 Felony;  Criminal Recklessness, A Misdemeanor and Reckless Driving, B Misdemeanor

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jasper Police and the Dubois County Sheriff’s Departments.

Indiana State Excise Police officers arrested 12 people on 40 charges in Muncie this weekend.

On Friday, seven minors were issued 23 summonses for possession of false ID, minor in tavern, illegal possession of alcohol, false informing and false statement of age.

On Saturday, five minors were issued 17 summonses for illegal possession of alcohol, possession of false ID, misuse of driver’s license, false statement of age and false informing.

Eleven of the minors were found to be in possession of false identification and a majority of the arrestees were from out of state and possessed out of state false IDs.

Excise officers continually train on different types of false IDs, particularly from other states.

Indiana State Excise Police officers will continue to promote public safety in Muncie as students return to Ball State University for the fall semester.

As the enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the primary mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is to promote public safety by enforcing Indiana’s Alcoholic Beverage Code. While excise officers have the authority to enforce any state law, they focus primarily on alcohol, tobacco and related laws.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.