High-Speed Chase Suspect Eventually Caught Snoozing

A man who led Dearborn County authorities on a vehicle pursuit in July was arrested a couple weeks later as he slept

Jody L. Koller. Photo by Dearborn County Sheriff's Department.

(Moores Hill, Ind.) – Jody Koller may have won the sprint when he sped away from police in July, but the law won the marathon.

Koller, 45, of Moores Hill, was the driver responsible for leading a high speed chase that spanned across Dearborn County and into Ohio on July 17, according to a court affidavit.

Moores Hill Town Marshal Brent Casebolt noticed a vehicle he recognized as belonging to Koller parked outside a mobile home on State Road 350 that morning. Casebolt also knew Koller was wanted on a Habitual Traffic Violator warrant in Dearborn County.

The marshal and an Indiana State Police trooper were near the mobile home park entrance when the vehicle, allegedly driven by Koller, passed them and drove west on State Road 350. Casebolt attempted to initiate a stop, but Koller would not stop.

The chase continued to Milan where police say Koller drove through a grass field, into a car dealership parking lot, and back onto State Road 350 heading east. Koller was allegedly fleeing at speeds up to 100 MPH. It slowed to 90 MPH on sections of North Hogan Road.

After winding through several other Dearborn County roads and highways, the pursuit came to U.S. 50. As Koller drove across the state line into Ohio, police terminated the pursuit as Koller weaved through traffic.

A passenger who was in Koller’s vehicle at the time had gotten out of the vehicle in the middle of the pursuit. He was met by police and said he wanted no part of the incident, as he was expecting to ride to work with Koller when the chase ensued.

Koller had remained at-large up until August 7. Indiana State Police had received information that he was staying at a home on the 21100 block of Georgetown Road in Dearborn County.

At the home, troopers observed a recently painted vehicle which otherwise matched the one driven by Koller in the chase. It had the same license plate.

Koller was apprehended at the home as troopers found him sleeping on a couch in the garage. He was taken into custody without incident.

While searching Koller, troopers allege they found methamphetamine and a smoking pipe on his person.

Koller faces charges including Resisting Law Enforcement (level 6 felony), Operating as a Habitual Traffic Violator (level 6 felony), Reckless Driving (class B misdemeanor), Criminal Recklessness (class B misdemeanor), Possession of Methamphetamine (level 6 felony), and Possession of Paraphernalia (class A misdemeanor).

Casebolt thanked other agencies and officers who assisted with the high-speed pursuit and apprehension of Koller.

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