LaPorte man arrested after 130 MPH pursuit through Fulton and Marshall Counties

Tyler M. Freville, 28, faces nine charges after crashing Tesla into another vehicle and fleeing on foot; K9 apprehends suspect

A LaPorte man was arrested early Friday morning after leading an Indiana State Police trooper on a high-speed pursuit through Fulton and Marshall Counties, reaching speeds of approximately 130 mph before crashing into another vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Shortly after midnight on Friday, Nov. 6, Trooper Jarod Sheetz was patrolling U.S. 31 in Fulton County when he located a Tesla passenger vehicle traveling northbound near Olson Road. Trooper Sheetz attempted to stop the vehicle for speeding and distracted driving, but the driver fled at high speeds, prompting a pursuit through Fulton and Marshall County roadways.

The pursuit continued northbound on US 31 to 17th Road in Marshall County, where the Tesla crashed into another motor vehicle. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Tyler M. Freville of LaPorte, exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. He was later apprehended by a Fulton County Sheriff K9.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A subsequent search of the Tesla revealed suspected marijuana, paraphernalia, and a signal jammer — a device used to interfere with communications or GPS signals.

Freville was transported to the Fulton County Jail without further incident.

As a result of the pursuit and ensuing investigation, Freville faces nine preliminary charges: Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle Causing Injury as a Level 5 felony, Possession of a Signal Jammer as a Level 6 felony, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon as a Level 6 felony, Resisting Law Enforcement as an A misdemeanor, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury as an A misdemeanor, Reckless Driving as an A misdemeanor, Possession of Marijuana as a B misdemeanor, Possession of Paraphernalia as a C misdemeanor, and Operator Never Licensed as a C misdemeanor.

Officers from the Indiana State Police Peru District and Bremen District, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Argos Police Department, the Argos Fire Department, Parkview EMS, and Lyons Towing assisted Trooper Sheetz.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere 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 and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.