More details released about police pursuit

Monday, September 16, 2024 at 8:00 AM

By Wes Dehne

Jeffrey T. Azbell, 58, Peru, is preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, resisting law enforcement, obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

The Indiana State Police Peru Post has provided more details into the arrest of a Peru man after a vehicle pursuit last week in Fulton County.

According to ISP, Trooper Chad Babbs was patrolling on Old U.S. 31 near County Road 400 South when he attempted to stop a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. He reportedly observed the driver, later identified as Jeffrey T. Azbell, 58, from Peru, driving left of the center of the roadway.

Police say Azbell initially stopped when pulled over, but then fled, leading the trooper on a pursuit through the county. During the pursuit, Azbell allegedly threw a substance from his vehicle that was later found to be methamphetamine. A subsequent search reportedly revealed controlled substances.

Trooper Babbs observed indicators that Azbell was under the influence, which led him to administer field sobriety tests. Azbell was then transported to Woodlawn Hospital for a certified test before being booked at the Fulton County Jail.

As a result of the pursuit and ensuing investigation, Azbell was preliminary charged with:

Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 felony)
Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle (Level 6 felony)
Obstruction of justice (Level 6 felony)
Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Class A misdemeanor)
Reckless driving (Class C misdemeanor)

Trooper Babbs received assistance at the scene from Troopers Kegan Kern, Dustin Powers and Andrew Baldwin and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.