Suspect arrested after crashing into New Castle police car during chase

NEW CASTLE, Ind. – Police arrested a man after a chase ended in a crash that destroyed a police car in New Castle.

According to the New Castle Police Department, a Cadiz city marshal initiated the pursuit around 11:15 p.m. Friday. New Castle police, as well as Henry County sheriff’s deputies and state troopers responded as the suspect drove east on State Road 38.

According to police, the driver fled a traffic stop and officers approached State Road 38 and County Road 400 West. After noticing the responding officers, the driver turned into the oncoming lane and narrowly avoided colliding with a police vehicle, police said.

Due to the increased danger, the police closed part of State Road 38 to traffic. During the chase, the suspect drove through yards to evade responding officers and flag down sticks.

A New Castle officer also placed stop bars near the intersection of State Road 38 and State Road 3. As the driver approached, he crashed his vehicle into the side of a New Castle patrol car. The collision, which occurred at an estimated speed of 60 miles per hour, sustained significant damage to both vehicles. The officer was not in the car because he was driving and operating stop sticks.

“If the officer had been sitting in his patrol car, he would have suffered serious injuries or possibly died,” said New Castle Police Chief Matt Schofield.

Both vehicles were apparently total losses.

Police identified the driver as Aaron Phelps of Portage. After the accident, Phelps followed “numerous repeated commands” and exited his vehicle.

He was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial for treatment before being released into police custody. He was booked into the Henry County Jail on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and reckless driving.