Man arrested after fleeing police on allegedly stolen moped

Atterson/ Vigo Co. Jail

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

​A local man was arrested on multiple charges this week after fleeing police on an allegedly stolen moped.

Leonard M. Atterson, 33. of West Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail Monday around 10:30 a.m. He is charged with residential entry, resisting law enforcement and auto theft. Meanwhile, he also faces previous and unrelated charges of dealing meth, neglect of a dependent, possessing two or more reagents or precursors, possessing anyhydrous ammonia and maintaining a common nuisance.

According to the Terre Haute Police Department report, a resident in the 1500 block of Eighth Avenue called 911 to report the suspect had just kicked in the back door that morning, looking for his girlfriend.

After leading police on a pursuit around the city's north side,  Atterson ultimately went back to the Eighth Avenue residence --  where he was taken into custody. 

Further investigation revealed that the resident had allowed the suspect to stay there for a two-day period. When Atterson came back, wanting to stay longer, he reportedly became angry that he was told he wasn't welcome there anymore. Atterson believed his girlfriend was inside the home, despite being told otherwise,  and allegedly kicked the door in before fleeing the scene as police were en route. Also, officers later learned the moped had been reported stolen.

According to the probable cause affidavit, filed by Officer Phil Ralston, of the Terre Haute Police Department, Atterson was spotted leaving the residence on a moped as officers arrived on scene.  The suspect disregarded police lights and fled through a neaby alley, cutting through a yard and heading eastbound on Sixth Avenue to N. 19th Street.

Ralston activated his siren and notified dispatch he was in pursuit.

Once on Eighth Avenue, Atterson attempted a U-turn and hit the curb.  Ralston attempted to tase the uncooperative suspect, however, Atterson fled again on the moped before Ralston could grab him.

Finally, back at the residence, a scuffle ensued with the suspect.

"The suspect tried to drive his moped between the fence and car that was in the driveway back at 1521 Eighth Avenue," Ralston states. He was able to tackle Atterson with assistance of Sgt. Pearce. 

Atterson continued to resist.

"The suspect resisted with officers while we were on the ground and wouldn't put his hands behind his back," according to the court documents.

Atterson is scheduled to appear in Vigo Superior Court Div. 6 tomorrow before Judge Michael Lewis.