A Warsaw man is in the Kosciusko County Jail after fleeing and dragging a Pierceton Police Officer with his car Tuesday evening.
Ricky Owens, 50, of 3699 N. CR 175E, Warsaw, was arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal recklessness and resisting/fleeing law enforcement. Owens’ bond was set at $2,000. At press time Owens was still locked up at the Kosciusko County Jail.
Pierceton Deputy Marshall Jim Bumbaugh had initiated a traffic stop on Ind. 13 near Elm Street in Pierceton at 6:09 p.m. Tuesday after observing a suspected intoxicated driver.
As Officer Bumbaugh was near the open door of the stopped vehicle, the driver, later identified as Owens, started the car and began to flee. Officer Bumbaugh attempted to restrain Owens but was dragged onto the pavement as the vehicle accelerated.
A passenger inside the vehicle also jumped from the fleeing white Chevy Camaro as Owens headed south out of Pierceton.
Area law enforcement officers converged on the southern portion of the county and found the white Chevy Camaro at Owens’ father’s residence located at 10305 S. County Farm Road at approximately 7:03 p.m. Owens’ father gave officers permission to search his property and residence where Owens was found inside a garage hiding beneath several trash bags.
Owens refused to surrender and was eventually tazed. Owens was still combative and was bitten by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy canine unit.
Owens was taken into custody and transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for treatment of his bite wound. He was eventually transported to the Kosciusko County Jail.
Officer Bumbaugh received lacerations and “road-rash” abrasions to his hands, arms, and knees after striking the pavement while being dragged. He was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for his wounds and was treated and released last night.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Pierceton Police Department are currently investigating the incident. Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Silver Lake, Claypool, and Winona Lake Police Departments.
