Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - A North Webster man wanted on a Kentucky warrant for receiving stolen property now faces charges here after he reportedly fled from police who were attempting to take him into custody.
Gregory Dale Hiner, 21, of 9407 E. Backwater Road, North Webster, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on charges of resisting/fleeing law enforcement and criminal recklessness. He was apprehended after a 10-minute chase which, at times, exceeded 100 mph.
The chase started about 2:53 p.m. when North Webster Deputy Marshal Candace Smythe saw Hiner at Dekko Heating Technologies Inc. on Backwater Road in a red 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier convertible that was reportedly stolen in Kentucky. Police previously received a tip that Hiner would be at Dekko at 3 p.m.
Smythe was familiar with Hiner and knew there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. She attempted to approach him and he reportedly fled, with the pursuit taking officers along Ind. 5, a curvy state road on the Kosciusko-Noble county line. Hiner reportedly evaded a roadblock on Ind. 5 and officers lost sight of him near Old Ind. 8, at Indian Hills.
At that location, Hiner apparently drove off the roadway and into a barn lot, where he allegedly hid behind some brush on the property. The property owner, John Bower, had seen Hiner drive through his yard and heard the police sirens and was already on the telephone with police when the officers pulled into the driveway. Bower reportedly pointed out the direction Hiner ran and he was apprehended at 3:04 p.m. near the intersection of CR 100N and Ind. 5 in Noble County.
North Webster Town Marshal Jerry Craig said they "wouldn't have gotten him as quick" without the help of Bower, a former military police officer.
The warrant on Hiner was for a separate case not involving the stolen car. Craig said Kentucky authorities weren't aware of the stolen vehicle (which was taken Tuesday) until they were contacted by local police after the chase ended.
Ligonier Police Department, Indiana State Police and Kosciusko and Noble county sheriff's departments assisted in the chase and/or apprehension of Hiner.
