DATE: 07-16-2026
SUBJECT: Deputies Arrest Suspect After Vehicle Pursuits
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0716
CONTACT: Lt. Erik Nilssen
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
Deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect following two separate vehicle pursuits in Vanderburgh County.
On July 15, 2026, at approximately 1:55 p.m., deputies observed Isaiah Jazz Pulley operating a gold Toyota Camry near the intersection of Covert Avenue and Jackson Avenue. Deputies knew Pulley had an active felony warrant for his arrest on forgery/counterfeiting charges. Deputies initiated a traffic stop; however, Pulley intentionally struck a VCSO patrol vehicle and fled the scene. Deputies pursued the vehicle for a short distance before terminating the pursuit for safety reasons.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 4:55 p.m., deputies located the suspect vehicle from the earlier pursuit near the intersection of South Weinbach Avenue and Pollack Avenue and attempted another traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Pulley, refused to stop, leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit that lasted approximately 10 minutes and covered about 7.5 miles through multiple city streets. During the pursuit, Pulley failed to obey traffic control devices, reached speeds of up to 70 mph, and drove through business parking lots and the grounds of the Evansville State Hospital.
The pursuit ended near the intersection of Vann Avenue and Fickas Road after Pulley intentionally struck a deputy’s patrol vehicle, causing the suspect’s vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. Pulley was taken into custody without injury and without further incident. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on numerous pending charges.
Arrested:
Isaiah Jazz Pulley, 22 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges:
- Felony Warrant-Forgery/Counterfeiting
- Criminal Recklessness w/ Deadly Weapon as a Level 6 Felony (2 Counts)
- Resisting Law Enforcement-Creates Substantial Risk of Injury as a Level 5 Felony (2 Counts)
- Reckless Driving as a Class A Misdemeanor (2 Counts)
- Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash as a Class B Misdemeanor
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.