TIPPECANOE CO. – Friday evening, just before 8:30 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Miramontes was patrolling Sagamore Parkway near Ross Road in Lafayette, IN. Trooper Miramontes conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Ford Mustang driven by Stephan Flood, 18, Carmel, IN, for a traffic violation. As Trooper Miramontes began to approach the vehicle, Flood fled at a high rate of speed.
Trooper Miramontes initiated a pursuit, which continued westbound on Sagamore Parkway. As Flood attempted to turn from Sagamore Parkway into the parking lot of Eyeglass World, he went over the curb, through the ditch, and into the parking lot. Flood went through the parking lot and back onto Concord Road. As Flood was entering Concord Road, he lost control of the Mustang and came to a stop after crashing. Flood exited the vehicle and attempted to elude troopers on foot. After a short foot chase, Flood was safely taken into custody.
Troopers located two passengers who stayed with the vehicle. One passenger was identified to be Whitney Williams, 18, Indianapolis, IN, and the second passenger was a juvenile who was later released to their parents.
After further investigation, troopers located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. During the investigation, Trooper Miramontes observed indicators that Flood was under the influence and administered field sobriety tests. Trooper Miramontes transported Flood to a local hospital for a certified test. The results of that test are pending, however, Trooper Miramontes was able to develop probable cause, and Flood was transported to Tippecanoe County Jail.
Flood was arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger less than 18 years old, OWI endangerment, OWI, resisting law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, leaving the scene of an accident.
Whitney Williams, 18, of Indianapolis, Flood’s passenger is facing a charge of possession of marijuana.
Trooper Miramontes was assisted on the scene by troopers from the Lafayette Post, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department, and Lafayette Police Department.
