BEDFORD—A Bedford man was arrested on Thursday, November 26, 2024, after leading law enforcement on a chase involving a stolen vehicle. The chase ultimately resulted in charges of theft, resisting law enforcement, neglect of a dependent, and habitual traffic violations.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Kyle Long of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began when Lawrence County Dispatch received a confirmation from the Flock camera system that a stolen vehicle was traveling northbound at the junction of U.S. 50 West and State Road 37. Shortly after that, Sgt. Tony Pope of the Oolitic Police Department intercepted the vehicle at Main Street and Hoosier Avenue in Oolitic. Upon activating his emergency lights, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Anthony W. Earl, 48, of Bedford, failed to stop, prompting a pursuit.
Sgt. Pope pursued Earl until the vehicle stopped near 186 Lafayette Avenue, where Pope conducted a felony stop with the assistance of Oolitic Town Marshal Ryan Duckett. At this point, Earl fled, and a foot pursuit ensued. Marshal Duckett detained a female passenger, later identified as Cheyenna Allen, 28, while continuing to assist Pope in the chase. Allen was destined on an outstanding warrant.
Sgt. Pope eventually apprehended Earl in a wooded area behind the residence and escorted him back to the scene, though Pope reportedly injured his leg during the pursuit. Earl was subsequently transported to IU Health Bedford for treatment after complaining of shoulder pain.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered that a young child was present in the stolen vehicle’s back seat, leading to a charge of neglect of a dependent. Additionally, it was determined that Earl had an active warrant out of Lawrence County and was classified as a habitual traffic violator—Life by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Earl has been formally charged with the following offenses under Indiana law:
- Habitual Traffic Violator (Level 6 felony)
- Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 felony)
- Theft (Level 6 felony)
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
