Overnight Pursuit Ends after Wheel Falls Off Suspect’s Vehicle

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, January 10, 2016 the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a blue 1994 Ford Ranger that was traveling on State Road 66 near Detroy Road. The vehicle was driving erratically prior to being signaled to stop.

The driver increased speed and fled westbound on State Road 66 to Resurrection Road. The pursuit continued on New Harmony Road to Harmony Way and then south toward the city of Evansville. Evansville Police Department (EPD) officers as well as troopers with the Indiana State Police assisted during the pursuit, with one EPD officer attempting to deflate the suspects tires with stop sticks.

During the pursuit one of the rear wheels detached from the fleeing truck. The vehicle continued to flee, showering the roadway with sparks while dragging the axle against the pavement. The pursuit continued to the area of N. Fourth Avenue and W. Delaware St where the vehicle became disabled.

The driver, Mr. Christopher Craig Monks, then fled on foot and was pursued by a Sheriff’s Office canine unit. Mr. Monks grabbed the K-9 and slammed the dog into a chain link fence. The K-9 and handler continued to pursue Mr. Monks, apprehending him after Mr. Monks scaled a fence. Mr. Monks was treated at a local hospital and then transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail.

ARRESTED:

Christopher Craig Monks (pictured above), 40, of Evansville. Driving as a Habitual Traffic Violator as a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Arrest while Operating a Vehicle as a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Arrest as a Class A Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving as a B Misdemeanor, Interfering with a Police Canine as an A Misdemeanor

-END-