A routine traffic stop by Indiana State Police turned into a pursuit and subsequent arrest of a Peru, Indiana man this week. A trooper observed the driver's vehicle moving erratically, driving left of center on old US 31 near County Road 400 South, and attempted to make a traffic stop. According to FOX59, the car initially stopped but then fled, sparking a chase.
The driver, later identified as 58-year-old Jeffrey T. Azbell, apparently tossed an unknown substance from the vehicle during a chase. As reported by WISH-TV, authorities later confirmed the discarded material was methamphetamine. A search of Azbell's 2008 Silver Chevrolet Impala uncovered additional controlled substances.
Trooper Chad Babbs, who led the pursuit, noted signs that Azbell was under the influence. "During the investigation, the trooper observed indicators that Azbell was under the influence and administered field sobriety tests to Azbell," as detailed in the WISH-TV news article. Following these tests, Azbell was taken to an area hospital for a certified test before his incarceration at the Fulton County Jail.
Azbell now faces a slew of charges including possession of methamphetamine, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, obstruction of justice—all Level 6 felonies—as well as possession of a controlled substance, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and reckless driving, with the latter being misdemeanors. If convicted on the felony charges, Azbell could serve up to 2.5 years in prison, per the initial report by FOX59.
