Knox County – Friday night, August 29, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Trooper Hurley stopped the driver of a black Jeep for disregarding the traffic light on SR 550 at SR 67. The driver was identified as Ian Stewart, 40, of Washington. Stewart displayed signs of impairment. Moments later, additional officers from Indiana State Police and Knox County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist. Stewart was instructed to exit his vehicle so field sobriety tests could be conducted, but he refused. Trooper Hurley opened the driver’s door and again instructed Stewart to exit, but Stewart put his vehicle in drive and fled south on SR 67 from Thompson Road. Just south of Church Road, Stewart exited the highway and drove into a bean field. Stewart eventually stopped in the bean field, exited his vehicle, and laid down so he couldn’t be seen. Officers set up a perimeter and used a PA system to order him to exit the bean field. Stewart eventually surrendered and was arrested without further incident. When officers searched Stewart, they located two syringes containing a dark liquid. A fully loaded 9mm magazine was found inside his vehicle. A firearm was not located. Stewart was transported to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond. Toxicology is pending. This is an on-going investigation.
Arrested and Charges:
- Ian Stewart, 40, Washington, IN
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of a Weapon or Instrument by a Serious Violent Felon, (Loaded Magazine) Level 4 Felony
- Criminal Mischief, (Damage to Bean Field) Class C Misdemeanor
Arresting Officer: Trooper T. Hurley, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officer: Trooper B. Marsee, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Knox County Sheriff’s Office
