Terre Haute man allegedly steals bicycle and flees from police

Banghart/ Vigo Co. Jail

​By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News


A Terre Haute man was arrested last night after police say he stole a bicycle from a local sporting goods store and then fled from an officer dispatched to the scene.

Camron J. Banghart, 24, was booked into the Vigo County Jail and charged with resisting law enforcement -  a Class A misdemeanor and conversion - a Class Class A misdemeanor. He also was wanted on a Clay County warrant for probation violation - dangerous drugs .

According to the report,  Academy Sports reported a suspicious person just before 9:30 p.m.
 
Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames explained that upon Trooper Gerald Stump's arrival, an employee said the suspect had just stolen a bicycle from inside the store and then rode away on it.

The suspect had not gotten far and disregarded commands to stop. 

"Trooper Stump observed the male subject pedaling away from the store, at a quick pace.  Trooper Stump then identified himself and gave loud verbal commands for the male subject to stop, but the commands were disregarded and the male subject continued riding the bicycle away," Ames said.

A pursuit ensued and other officers arrived to assist.

Banghart was able to maneuver the new bike in out of parked vehicles and around nearby parking lots, making it difficult for the officers to apprehend him. 

Ames said the suspect ditched the bike  after crossing US 41, before hiding underneath a vehicle in the parking lot. 

Troopers ordered him to come out and he was immediately taken into custody/

ISP Trooper David Petrowski, Trooper Courtland Woodruff, and Trooper Nicole Cheeks and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department assisted Stump at the scene.