Dubois County Man Who Fled Police Faces Felony Charges

Jasper - A Jasper man who fled police when they attempted to serve warrants is now facing additional charges.

Johnny Strotman, 34, N. Park St., is charged with:

- Resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle, a Level 6 felony;

-Possession of a hypodermic needle/syringe, a Level 6 felony and

-Resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.

Police learned that Strotman was staying at his father’s residence in Haysville. On Oct. 25, they traveled to the residence to serve warrants out of Orange and Crawford Counties. According to the probable cause affidavit, as they approached the home, they saw a man they recognized as Strotman on a four-wheeler. Strotman then allegedly began driving away and police pursued him. Strotman is stated to have failed to yield to the emergency lights and sirens, continuing off the road and into a field.

Eventually, Strotman maneuvered the four-wheeler into a large ditch, climbed off, and fled on foot, taking off his jacket and tossing it as he ran. Officers were assisted in the search by K-9 Chase and his handler, Sgt. Gogel. The two located Strotman and apprehended him without incident.

When officers searched Strotman’s coat, they found two hypodermic needles, along with an open pack of cigarettes.

“This case is a great example of good police work,” said Kleinhelter. “Officers acted on information they received and K9 Chase helped bring the search for the suspect to a close quickly and safely.”

All charges filed in this case are merely allegations and all suspects are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.