ISP: Robbery suspect arrested after high speed chase

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News​

An alleged armed pharmacy robber crossed over into Indiana from Illinois this afternoon, leading multiple agencies on a high speed chase and crashing into another vehicle just before Indiana State Police Putnamville troopers took him into custody near Clay County.

Shawn M. Caballero, 18,  of Indianapolis, was booked into the Vigo County Jail on preliminary charges of one count of dealing controlled substance greater than 28 grams; four counts of criminal recklessness with a vehicle; one count of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle; possession of marijuana with prior arrest; and operating while intoxicated-refusal.  

"During a search of the suspect vehicle, troopers believe they located clothing and pharmaceutical evidence related to the Paris, Ill. pharmacy robbery, as well as approximately 20 grams of suspected marijuana," ISP Sgt. Joe Watts explained.

Troopers were alerted that the armed robbery suspect ---- a black male, driving a silver 2012 Chevrolet Malibu with Indiana registration --- was believed to be traveling across the state line on Interste 70 from the Paris pharmacy around 2:30 p.m.

According to the report, Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Rutledge and Trooper Brent Robinson were working the construction zone near the nine mile marker and spotted the eastbound suspect vehicle a few minutes later.

Watts said the situation was dangerous, as the suspect disregarded troopers when they first attempted a traffic stop before he eventually crashed into the other vehicle.

"The suspect fled eastbound on I-70. While traveling recklessly through the construction zone, the suspect very nearly struck three construction men working near the center of the roadway, causing the three to quickly divert from their work area or risk being struck," Watts said..
 
The chase ensued at speeds reaching 110 miles-per-hour with other ISP troopers and Clay County Sheriff’s deputies deploying tire deflation devices in the eastbound lanes both west and east of State Road 59.

The suspect avoided the first set west of SR 59 and attempted to avoid the second set east of SR 59 (Exit 23), and struck the inner guardrail and stuck another vehicle, Watts said, explaining that the suspect  veered into a white 2014 Ford pick-up truck, driven by Shawn B. Riley, 47, of Moberly, Mo., forcing the Riley vehicle off the roadway while disabling the suspect vehicle. Rutledge and Robinson were able to take Caballero into custody at that point. No injuries were reported.
 
 ISP Sergeant Chris Wright, Master Trooper DuJuan Presley-McFadden, and Trooper Brian Thomas. Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, Brazil Police officers assisted at the scene.