ISP: Man tosses aside meth, pipe during northside foot chase

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News​

A local man was arrested on drug charges after fleeing from police during a traffic stop last night on Terre Haute's north side.

A passenger in the car, Ernest L. Hoopingarner, 45, of Terre Haute, was later booked into the Vigo County Jail around 7:15 p.m. He is charged with:

• Possession of methamphetamine - Level 6 felony
• Maintaining a common nuisance  -Level 6 felony
• Resisting law enforcement -Class A midemeanor
• Possession of paraphernalia - Class A Misdemeanor
• False informing - Class B misdemeanor

Hoopingarner was ultimately apprehended a few blocks away, in a yard near Third Avenue. Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames said the suspect stated at that time that he fled on foot because he thought he had active warrants out for his arrest and didn't want to go to jail. 

During the foot chase, the trooper noticed Hoopingarner drop a small metal container -- which was found to contain approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, Ames explained, adding that a glass smoking device was also located in a pocket of the sweatshirt that Hoopingarner had removed during the foot pursuit.

According to the report, ISP Trooper Brad Fyfe stopped the green Mercury passenger car, with a heavily damaged windshield, at Third Avenue and N. 11th Street around 6 p.m.

The trooper noted that Hoopingarner's behavior was suspicious while speaking with the other occupants in the vehicle. Ames said the suspect could not produce a picture ID, and appeared nervous, reportedly having difficulty even stating his name.  

When Fyfe returned to his patrol car to verify the information that was provided to him --   Hoopingarner dashed from the car, running westbound. He continued to flee, disregarding all commands to stop while Fyfe pursued him on foot

Hoopingarner was taken into custody after Trooper Ian Portteus arrived on scene to assist in the pursuit and was able to get the suspect to comply with orders to get on the ground.