One arrested after vehicle theft, pursuit

WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - On Saturday afternoon, Vigo County Sheriff's Deputy Jim Haley overheard Terre Haute Police chatter about a stolen Jeep Cherokee out of Papa Johns Pizza’s parking lot off Wabash Ave.

Deputy Haley noticed a vehicle fitting the description stopped at a gas station in West Vigo, occupied by a shirtless white male.

After finding no information about registration or vehicle description, Deputy Haley proceeded to stop the vehicle for a traffic infraction.

At this attempt, the driver of the Cherokee attempted to elude Deputy Haley, sped off and made several turns in West Terre Haute, and tried to lose the trail.

West Terre Haute Assistant Police Chief Scott Melton assisted in the pursuit, and followed the Jeep on Old Paris Ave, until the driver lost control of the vehicle and drove it into a ditch.

The driver attempted to flee on foot, ignoring the officers’ commands to stop.

After a short pursuit on foot, Ronald (Buddy) E. Hinkle, Jr., 27, of West Terre Haute was arrested on two outstanding felony arrest warrants out of Division 6 Court in Vigo County: one was a Court Order, the other was for Escape.

Hinkle was arrested and transported to the Vigo County Jail.

In addition to the two arrest warrants, Hinkle was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, (Felony and Misdemeanor), Criminal Recklessness, Reckless Driving and Probation Violation from Sullivan County.

Hinkle is also a suspect in an earlier Burglary in West Terre Haute.

Inside the rear compartment of the Jeep was a semi-automatic AR-15 Rifle w/four magazines of .223 caliber bullets.

It was later determined that the firearm and ammunition belonged legally to the owner of the vehicle.