TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute man is facing several charges after leading police on a chase through several parking lots and down a parkway Saturday.
They said at around 5:50 p.m., and Indiana State Police trooper spotted a car speeding on 3rd Street near Margaret Avenue.
They said the vehicle turned west onto Margaret Drive, then abruptly into a parking lot without using a signal. According to police, the trooper tried stopping David Gess of Terre Haute, before Gess sped through the parking lot turning south onto 3rd Street, running a red traffic light at the intersection of Interstate 70.
They said Gess then abruptly turned west onto Honey Creek Drive traveling into the Haute City Center parking lot. Gess then drove through the Haute City Center parking lot, hitting traffic cones in an attempt to evade the trooper, continuing south to Honey Creek Parkway.
According to police, the trooper caught up with Gess, but he refused to stop, disregarding a stop sign and traveling into another parking lot. It was at this time that Gess’ vehicle went off the roadway and down a small hill coming to an abrupt stop.
Police said a female passenger in the vehicle immediately put her hands out of the window and loudly indicated that she had told Gess to stop. They said Gess then opened his door and put his hands in the air.
Both Gess and his passenger were both taken into custody with the assistance of other officers.
Police said they believe that Gess was possibly impaired due to a controlled substance. He was given several field sobriety tests in which he failed. Gess was offered the opportunity to submit to a chemical test, in which he gave consent.
During a search of Gess’ vehicle, methamphetamine and syringes were found. Gess was then transported to Regional Hospital where he provided a sample for a certified chemical test. He tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana.
Upon being cleared medically, police said Gess was taken to the Vigo County Jail where he is currently being held.
The female passenger was released with no charges.
Gess faces the following charges, Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony, Possession of Hypodermic Syringe Needles, Level 6 Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony , Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class A Misdemeanor , Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Class C Misdemeanor, and Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor.
