Lisa Trigg
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Two people face meth-related charges following a high-speed vehicle pursuit that started in Terre Haute and ended at Blackhawk late Tuesday.
Kristina Michaels, 27, and Brent Gilbert, 33, both appeared in Vigo Superior Court 3 on Wednesday, where Judge David Bolk found probable cause for their arrest on charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of pseudoephedrine, manufacturing methamphetamine and transporting anhydrous ammonia. Charges are to be formalized Monday.
Sgt. Doug Bensinger of the Terre Haute Police Department testified that the pursuit began around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday when a patrol officer saw a 1988 Mercury turn from 13th Street onto Hulman Street without stopping. The officer followed the vehicle, which made several other turns and failed to stop when the officer turned on his vehicle’s emergency lights. As police pursued the car, they saw objects thrown from the car windows, Bensinger said.
The pursuit continued through the city’s southeast side from Margaret to Fruitridge avenues and south on Old Riley Road to Indiana 46 and then to Indiana 159 south to Blackhawk.
Clay County Sheriff’s deputies deployed stop sticks on the road at Blackhawk to stop the vehicle. Gilbert then attempted to run from the scene, Bensinger said, and was Tazed by officers. He was then handcuffed and taken to the Vigo County jail. Michaels also attempted to flee on foot, but stopped when ordered by police.
Inside the vehicle, police found a large bag containing about 60 grams of pseudoephedrine pills and several wadded-up paper towels used in a meth cook, two tanks containing anhydrous ammonia, lithium batteries, several pieces of tubing and camping fuel – all items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
A criminal history check revealed that Gilbert has a pending charge of possession of methamphetamine, while Michaels has two past convictions for possession of methamphetamine.
Both were appointed public defenders to represent them in court. They are each being held on bail of $75,000, with no 10 percent allowed.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
