Pursuit begins with pedestrians nearly struck at Raccoon Lake Park, ends with crash and arrest

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM

By Johnny McCrory

A Sunday incident that nearly began with injuries turned into a pursuit for law enforcement.

According to the Parke County Sheriff's Department report, a deputy was on routine patrol Sunday when an Indiana Conservation officer reported a vehicle fleeing from Raccoon Lake Park. The deputy was at the entrance to the park as the call came in and observed the vehicle traveling between 60 - 70 mph past the gate house and swerving around vehicles and people. The vehicle almost struck multiple Bellmore Fire Department cadets.

The deputy activated his emergency lights to try and make a traffic stop bu the vehicle continued out of the part and then eastbound at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles on US 36. The driver, William Ditchley, was taken into custody after he lost control and crashed.

Ditchley was initially held on $10,000 bond.