Stolen Law Enforcement Vehicle Leads to Multi-County Pursuit and Gunfire in Southern Indiana
WARRICK & SPENCER COUNTIES, IN — April 21, 2025
A dramatic and dangerous incident unfolded Monday morning across southern Indiana, after a suspect stole a law enforcement vehicle from Warrick County, triggering a high-speed pursuit and an armed confrontation that ended with shots fired and the suspect in custody.
Initial Incident: Patrol Vehicle Stolen
According to early reports, the chaotic series of events began when a Chandler Police Department black SUV patrol vehicle was stolen from an officer. Prior to the theft, the suspect had reportedly crashed his own vehicle, abandoning it before targeting the officer’s patrol unit. During the confrontation, authorities believe the suspect may have sustained a gunshot wound as he forcibly took the patrol vehicle.
After commandeering the SUV, the suspect did something both bizarre and bold — he began communicating over police radio, engaging in active dialogue with Warrick County law enforcement personnel as he fled the scene.
Multi-Agency Pursuit Southbound on U.S. 231
The stolen patrol vehicle headed south, drawing immediate attention from multiple law enforcement agencies. At approximately 9:26 a.m., Spencer County law enforcement confirmed they were actively engaged in pursuit of the suspect, who was speeding southbound on U.S. 231.
Officers from surrounding jurisdictions, including Indiana State Police and local sheriff’s departments, joined the effort to safely apprehend the suspect. Law enforcement vehicles trailed closely, while aerial support was requested to monitor the suspect’s movements from above.
Final Crash and Shots Fired
Just ten minutes after Spencer County deputies joined the pursuit, the situation came to a dramatic conclusion. At 9:36 a.m., officials reported the suspect had crashed the stolen patrol SUV on U.S. 231, approximately eight miles south of the Indiana state line, near the Kentucky border.
Following the crash, shots were fired, though details on who fired and how many shots remain under investigation. What is clear, however, is that the confrontation ended with the suspect being taken into custody at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, nor have they confirmed the extent of his injuries, though early reports indicate the suspect may have been wounded either during the initial theft or in the final standoff. No officers are believed to have been injured during the course of the pursuit or the firearm exchange.
Investigation Underway
The stolen vehicle, recovered and now a critical piece of evidence, will be thoroughly processed by crime scene technicians. Meanwhile, officials from both Warrick and Spencer Counties, as well as the Indiana State Police, are coordinating an in-depth investigation into the sequence of events.
The use of police radio by the suspect is a particularly unusual and alarming detail that law enforcement is reviewing, especially concerning access protocols for communication equipment inside patrol units.
Public Safety and Response
Local residents along the U.S. 231 corridor were advised to avoid the area during the pursuit, and several roadblocks were briefly set up during the active operation. Those advisories have now been lifted, though traffic near the crash site remains impacted as investigators work the scene.
The Warrick County Sheriff’s Office issued a brief statement thanking the public for their patience and reaffirming their commitment to transparency and safety:
“This morning’s incident was dangerous and unpredictable. Thanks to the coordination between multiple agencies and quick tactical response, we are relieved that no innocent civilians or officers were harmed. The investigation will continue, and we’ll ensure that justice is served.”
Conclusion
What began as a stolen patrol vehicle spiraled into a high-stakes pursuit that showcased the urgency, coordination, and courage of Indiana’s law enforcement agencies. As the investigation unfolds, more information is expected to be released regarding the suspect’s identity, potential motive, and criminal history.
For now, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any further information related to this incident. Anyone with relevant details can contact the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office or Spencer County law enforcement.