KOSCIUSKO CO. – On Thursday, February 24, 2022, at approximately 11:52 a.m., Indiana State Trooper Jeff Wampler attempted to stop a gray 2018 Chrysler 300 after it failed to move over or slow down, as required by law, as it passed by him on a traffic stop westbound on US 30, just west of County Road 500 West.
When Wampler caught up to the Chrysler he was able to determine that the license plate did not match the Chrysler. When he turned on his red and blue emergency lights on his unmarked Dodge Charger the driver of the Chrysler refused to stop and sped up to speeds of over 100 miles per hour as it continued westbound on US 30, eventually entering Marshall County.
A trooper was successfully able to deploy a tire deflation device (Stop Sticks) near Iris Road, flattening both driver-side tires. This did not stop the driver of the Chrysler and he continued to flee westbound. Troopers and deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office again deployed Stop Sticks near King Road, deflating the front passenger tire.
The driver of the Chrysler continued to flee westbound while driving on three rims. The driver of the Chrysler hit another set of Stop Sticks near the overpass for SR-17 but continued to flee westbound. Near Oak Road, the driver of the Chrysler tried to pass a semi on the right side and lost control of the Chrysler. The Chrysler went into the ditch to the right, hitting two signs and rolling onto the roof.
The driver, identified as Merieal Tolbert, 28 of Chicago, IL was safely taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital to be medically cleared. Further investigation revealed that the Chrysler was reported stolen out of Ft. Wayne, IN earlier today.
Tolbert was transported to the Kosciusko County Jail after being arrested for Resisting Law Enforcement and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
