Yesterday evening just before 6 pm, Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Griggs and Sgt. Greg Day were patrolling in Lawrence County. While doing so, they observed a white, 2002 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van traveling eastbound on 5^th Street in Bedford with a license plate that was expired and did not belong on the van. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the male driver of the van accelerated and a pursuit ensued.

A male passenger was observed in the van as well.

The van headed eastbound on State Road 58 at a high rate of speed and passed multiple vehicles in dangerous locations, gaining a large amount of distance on the pursuing officers. The van continued east on SR 58, north on Shawswick Station Road, ultimately turning east on Todd Lane.  Troopers discontinued the pursuit and lost sight of the van. A short time later, a concerned citizen called the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department reporting the van was parked in a wooded area off of Todd Lane.

Troopers, along with Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Officers, Indiana Conservation Officer Ryan Jahn and the Indiana State Police Aviation Section (helicopter) converged on the area.  The two suspects had fled the van on foot and a manhunt was conducted of the area.  The suspects were not immediately located however evidence was recovered from the van, leading Trooper Griggs to be able to positively identify the driver. 

In addition, drug paraphernalia was located during the search of the van.

Trooper Griggs and Sgt. Day, with assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and troopers from the Versailles District, traveled to the suspect’s residence near Norman, Indiana.  The suspect was located and arrested. 

The passenger of the vehicle is still unknown.

The arrested driver was identified as Rickie J. Cockerham Jr. 41, of Norman. He was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:

1. Habitual Traffic Violator for Life, Level 5 Felony
2. Resisting Law Enforcement in Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
3. Resisting Law Enforcement on Foot, A Misdemeanor
4. Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, B Misdemeanor
5. Reckless Driving, C Misdemeanor
6. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

On January 25^th, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. and the ISP Drug Enforcement Section conducted three investigations that led to two (2) Lawrence County residents being arrested for dealing methamphetamine. They seized over 3 ounces of methamphetamine throughout the course of the day. 

ISP was assisted by the Mitchell Police Department.

Around 2:00 pm, Trp. Caleb Garvin conducted a traffic stop on 39^th Street, near Washington Avenue, for a traffic infraction.

He observed indicators of criminal activity and requested a canine. 

Trp. Richard Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed the driver, Kayla N. Perry (26) of Bedford was in possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine.

She was arrested for dealing methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony) and possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony). 

Perry was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail.

Around 3:30 pm, ISP DES Detectives, Sgt. Greg Day, Troopers Chris Griggs and Chance Humphrey executed a search warrant at a residence on Stevens Street in Mitchell after a lengthy investigation into possible methamphetamine dealing.

The suspect was not home at the time, but evidence of drug dealing was recovered. Charges are expected to be sought on the suspect for dealing and possession of methamphetamine. 

Mitchell PD Officer Ryan Duckett assisted ISP with this investigation.

At approximately 4:00 pm, Trooper Matt Hatchett conducted a traffic stop along SR 450, near SR 158, on a red HR Hummer for a traffic violation. He immediately detected indicators of criminal activity.

Trp. Klun again deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle.

Joseph D. Neal (43) of Springville was found to be in possession of 57 grams of methamphetamine. He was arrested for dealing methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony) and possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony). 

Neal was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411. Your tip can remain anonymous. 

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.