ISP: Drunk driver facing multiple charges after fleeing on foot

ICN file photo

​By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A late night foot pursuit in Terre Haute ended with a suspected drunk driver in jail and facing multiple charges.

Terrance L. Ballard, 36, of Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail around 12:30 a.m. He ultimately was found to be intoxicated with a BAC of .20 percent as well as a being felon in possession of a gun.

Bsallard's charges include:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 5 felony
• Resisting law enforcement using a vehicle, a Class A misdemeanor
• Resisting law enforcement on foot, a Class A misdemeanor
• Reckless driving endangering the safety of others, a Class C misdemeanor
• Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor
• Operators license never received, a Class A misdemeanor
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering persons, a Class C misdemeanor  
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC >.15, a Class A misdemeanor  

According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames, a trooper initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle after observing the driver traveling at a high rate of speed on Poplar Street around 11:20 p.m.

The white SUV  ran a stop sign at S. Eighth and Crawford Streets, turning east.and then came to an abrupt stop behind a residence just before he fled on foot, Ames explained.

Ballard reportedly stumbled and fell twice as he fled a short distance, which allowed for Trooper Brad Fyfe to catch up  with and apprehend the suspect.

Ames said a loaded revolver was found during a subsequent search of the vehicle . Further investigation revealed Ballard was not allowed to possess a handgun due to being a violent felon.  He added that Ballard was also in possession of marijuana at the time he was taken into custody.
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The Terre Haute Police Department assisted at the scene.

Ballard/ Vigo Co. Jail