Published: August 20, 2008 10:17 pm         

Sullivan man gets out of jail — then allegedly steals vehicle

Leads police on high-speed chase

CLOVERDALE — A Sullivan County man found himself back in jail Wednesday morning after about 12 hours of freedom, during which he allegedly stole a car and some beer and led police on a high-speed chase.

Darren E. Roberts, 22, of Sullivan had been released from the Sullivan County jail Tuesday afternoon after serving his time after being charged with auto theft.

An investigation revealed that Roberts allegedly then stole a red 2004 Ford Mustang in Linton and drove it to the BP gas station at the Cloverdale exit on Interstate-70, where he allegedly stole beer and fled in the car.

Putnam County authorities caught up with him eastbound on I-70 near the Little Point exit. When State Police Trooper Charlie Boller activated emergency lights and siren, the suspect sped up to speeds of 105 mph. He exited at Little Point (about 10 miles east of Cloverdale) and led officers eastbound on Indiana 42.

The vehicle spun out on Cook Road and Roberts surrendered without incident, according to police.

Roberts was taken to the Putnam County Jail, where he is being detained without bail on allegations of theft, possession of stolen property, resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle, all class-D felonies; operating while intoxicated, a class-A misdemeanor; and leaving the scene of a property damage crash, a class-B misdemeanor.

The Cloverdale Police Department assisted, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.