Jasper County, Indiana – A Rensselaer man is being held on a $1 million bond following a high-speed pursuit and officer-involved shooting earlier this month.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, 23-year-old Tucker Ellis was released from the hospital Tuesday, Feb. 18, and booked into the Jasper County Jail. Ellis has been formally charged with Attempted Murder, a Level 1 felony, along with two counts of Aggravated Battery (Level 3 felonies), Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 5 felony), Criminal Recklessness with a Motor Vehicle (Level 6 felony), Habitual Traffic Violator (Level 6 felony), and Criminal Mischief (Class A misdemeanor).
Authorities allege the charges stem from a Feb. 14 pursuit that began around 11:20 p.m. CST on State Road 49 near County Road 900 North in Wheatfield. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Ellis allegedly fled, leading officers on a chase that reportedly exceeded 100 mph and lasted about 35 minutes.
During the pursuit, two officers discharged their firearms after Ellis allegedly attempted to strike them with his vehicle, according to officials. Ellis later fled on foot and was apprehended at his residence by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Tactical Team. He sustained a single gunshot wound to his hand and was transported for medical treatment.
In a related case, 22-year-old Benjamin Wing has been charged with Assisting a Criminal, a Level 5 felony. Wing was released from jail on a $1,000 bond.
The Indiana State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
