On Monday, September 30, at about 9:40 pm, Deputy Ben Reason with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black SUV traveling north on U.S. 31 for speeding.
The driver refused to stop and continued north at a high rate of speed. The pursuit entered Marshal County, where the vehicle left the roadway and drove through a fence and pasture in the 19,000 block of 19th Road. The vehicle then continued north on U.S. 31 into St Joseph County. From there, the vehicle continued west on U.S. 20, where it finally stopped near the 80/90 Toll Rd., just a few miles south of the Michigan state line.
Throughout the pursuit, stop sticks were successfully deployed several times, causing damage to the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Sean M. Butler, 36 of Navarre, FL. He was taken into custody without further incident while a passenger fled the vehicle and was not located.
Butler was transported back to the Fulton County Jail and booked on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, criminal recklessness with a vehicle, reckless driving causing property damage, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.
The Indiana State Police and numerous other agencies in north central Indiana assisted the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings, entitled to be represented by counsel, and entitled to a trial jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
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