Dangerous pursuit ends with THPD standoff

Chief of Terre Haute Police Shawn Keen speaks to reporters

​A car chase became increasingly dangerous early this morning after a Terre Haute man attempted to escape law enforcement.

In fact, officials say the male suspect-- reportedly armed with a hatchet-- allegedly purposely struck an officer with the car during the pursuit and later crashed into a tree while fleeing. The injured officer was reportedly taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Brandon Kent, 28, was taken into custody following a standoff with the Terre Haute Police Special Response Team at the Mt. Vernon Apartment complex about three hours later, around 8:30 a.m. He is facing several charges related to the situation, including: Resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness, aggravated battery, possession of meth, maintaining a common nuisance and  aggravated battery.

The pursuit began with a domestic situation involving the suspect attempting to chase his escaping ex-girlfriend and her two children passengers.

"The male approached her with what appeared to be an ax or a hatchet," Chief of Terre Haute Police Department Shawn Keen told reporters at the scene this morning.

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Kent/Vigo County Jail Book-in photo

​Vigo County Dispatch had received a couple of calls regarding the suspect chasing his ex-girlfriend in his vehicle.The victim was advised to drive toward the Terre Haute Police Department for the children and her own safety.

THPD officers initiated contact with the suspect vehicle and a pursuit began near South 19th  and Morton Streets.

​"During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly struck a Terre Haute Police Officer near South 14 1/2 Street and Davis Drive. The suspect continued until he crashed into a tree behind his residence at 3381 S. 14 1/2 St. and then fled on foot," Keen said.

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ICN Photo

Officers with the THPD and Vigo County Sherrif's Department then established a perimeter around the residence. Traffic was blocked off along Davis Drive during the standoff and school bus traffic was rerouted.

According to jail records, Kent has been booked into the Vigo County Jail five other times between 2010-2015 on drug and property damage-related charges and probation order violation.

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