SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— A man who led police on a chase Thursday in Sullivan County was arrested after crashing into a pond, and authorities found a gun and illegal items.
According to the Sullivan Chief of Police, officers noticed a male driving a motorcycle disregard a stop sign and driving at a high rate of speed near the area of Stewart Court and Duane Street. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the individual, but the suspect fled eastbound on Washington Street.
Authorities stated that due to safety concerns, the pursuit was terminated. Shortly after, someone reported to Sullivan County Dispatch that they observed a man driving a motorcycle that crashed into a pond near the intersection of County Road 75 North and County Road 150 East. The chief stated that law enforcement showed up in the area, completed a search of the perimeter, but couldn’t locate the driver.
WTWO had a reporter on scene who saw Indiana State Police divers who were called in to help retrieve the motorcycle, but no person was located in the water. The chief said that while the motorcycle was being recovered, a backpack was located. Authorities said the backpack contained a firearm, and several illegal items.
After the officer conducted an investigation, They identified the driver as Clifford Curnett. Curnett was later located and arrested in the Stewart Court area.
Curnett is being charged with dealing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement, along with several other felony and misdemeanor charges.
