Terre Haute man wanted in hit-and-run crash has lengthy record

ICN file photo

Oaks

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 By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A Terre Haute man with a lengthy criminal record is wanted on multiple charges after a hit-and-run crash injured two motorcyclists Wednesday night on the city's south side.

Dale R. Oaks, 40,  is wanted on a warrant  in connection to the hit-and-run for:

• Resisting Law Enforcement a level 5 felony (2 Counts);
• Operating a Motor Vehicle after Forfiture of License a level 5 felony;
• Failure to Remain at an Accident with Serious Bodily Injury a level 6 felony;
• Reckless Driving casues bodily injury an A misdemeanor.

The Vigo County Sheriff confirmed the identity of the suspect today in the crash involving two motorcycles on US 41 Wednesday at around 8 p.m. The suspect was seen fleeing on foot from the scene wearing a black t-shirt. He allegedly got into a service truck at a nearby auto dealership and drove off the lot, headed northbound on US 41. Both crash victims were hospitalized and released the following day after being thrown off their motorcycles as the suspect fled a store while police pursued him on shoplifting allegations.

Sheiff Greg Ewing said the office received numerous tips to help identify the suspect.

"Thanks to tips from the public and VCSO detetives we have been able to put a name to the face"  Ewing said in a press release.

Oaks has a lengthy criminal history.  The suspect has been booked into the Vigo County Jail 40 times since 2005 totaling 91 different charges the Sheriff reported.

"This is a good example of not being able to hold people accountable and the types of decisions our Judges are faced with when you have an over-crowded jail" Ewing said, noting that a majority of Oaks’ arrests stem from not appearing in court after being released, committing new crimes while on release or failure to follow probation or parole rules.

Oaks is described as a white male, 6-feet,  1- inches tall  and weighing approximately 135 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

If you know the whereabouts of Dale Robert Oaks call Crime Stoppers at 812-238-STOP (7867)
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