An 18-year-old Indianapolis man is facing criminal charges after state troopers say he pushed a Mercedes past 100 mph on southbound I-69 near Bloomington on Saturday, then finally gave up the chase near mile marker 113. According to investigators, the high-speed pursuit hit triple digits before the driver pulled over with hazard lights on and was taken into custody. A passenger in the car was released to family members and was not charged.
Indiana State Police told WTHR that an ISP trooper first spotted two vehicles heading south near the Third Street interchange and clocked them at about 90 mph in a 65-mph zone. When the trooper moved to pull them over, one car slowed down and stopped while the other, identified as a 2015 Mercedes C30, reportedly punched it to roughly 130 mph. Troopers say the Mercedes then continued at more than 100 mph before the driver finally stopped near mile marker 113. The man was transported to the Monroe County Jail on preliminary charges of felony resisting law enforcement and misdemeanor reckless driving.
Weapon Found During Search
During a search of the Mercedes, troopers reported finding an AR-15-style rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches, along with a bill of sale for the weapon. Investigators told reporters the driver did not have the proper license for the firearm. Authorities did not immediately announce any separate state or federal gun charges tied to the weapon, although they noted that the short-barreled rifle would likely be part of the charging review as evidence continues to be processed.
Charges And Booking
The suspect was booked into the Monroe County Jail on the preliminary resisting and reckless-driving counts listed in the booking report, according to WTHR. Prosecutors will review the case and decide whether to file formal charges once Indiana State Police complete their investigation. No injuries were reported during the stop, and the passenger was allowed to leave with family members.
What The Rifle Might Mean Legally
Under federal rules, a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches can fall into the category of a short-barreled rifle, which is regulated under the National Firearms Act and requires special registration and tax paperwork, according to the ATF. Unregistered possession of a short-barreled rifle can bring federal penalties. Local prosecutors will weigh the firearm evidence along with the allegations of resisting law enforcement and reckless driving. Any additional counts would appear in future court filings if authorities decide to pursue them.
Next Steps
Monroe County court records will list any formal charges and upcoming hearings as the case moves forward. Media outlets and public court dockets are expected to provide updates if prosecutors file new counts, amend the existing allegations, or set a trial date.
