TH man in jail after police chase through mall parking lot

ISP photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A Terre Haute man was arrested on multiple charges after a fleeing police through a mall parking lot following an attempted traffic stop for speeding Saturday evening.

David L. Gess, 41,  was booked into the Vigo County Jail. He is charged with:

• Possession of controlled substance- methamphetamine, a level 3 felony
• Possession of hypodermic syringe needles, a level 6 felony
• Maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony
• Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, a level 6 felony 
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated -endangering a person, a class A misdemeanor 
• Operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, a class C misdemeanor
•  Reckless driving, a class B misdemeanor 

Just before 6 p.m., Trooper Brad Fyfe observed the vehicle traveling southbound on S.Third Street near Margaret Drive at a high rate of speed. 

Ultimately, the trooper discovered methamphetamine and syringes in the suspect vehicle following the chase, Sgt. Matt Ames explained.

Gess/ Vigo Co. Jail

The pursuit began when the suspect turned west onto Margaret Drive, then abruptly turned south into a parking lot -- failing to signal, Sgt. Matt Ames explained.

A traffic stop was initiated,  but to no avail. 

Ames said Gess sped through the parking lot before turning south onto S. Third Street, running a red traffic light at the intersection of Interstate 70.  

He proceeded to turn west onto Honey Creek Drive,  traveling into the Haute City Center parking lot. 

Ames said the suspect fled through the parking lot, striking traffic cones in an attempt to evade Trooper Fyfe, continuing south to Honey Creek Parkway.  '

The  suspect refused to stop, continued disregarding a stop signs, before turning into yet another parking lot. 

Finally, the vehicle went off the roadway and down a small hill, coming to an abrupt stop.   

"A female passenger in the vehicle immediately put her hands out of the window and loudly indicated that she had told the driver to stop," Ames said, adding that she was not charged in connection to the incident.

The suspect then surrendered, without further incident.

"The driver of the vehicle then opened his door and put his hands in the air," Ames explained.

Trooper Fyfe reportedly observed possible criminal indicators.

Gess failed subsequent field sobriety tests.  He also submitted to a chemical test at a local hospital, where he tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. 

Assisting Agencies:  Troopers Daniel Organ and Rondell Shelton of the Putnamville State Police Post and the Terre Haute Police Department. 

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