FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department says that a high-speed chase ended Thursday when the SUV officers were pursuing hit a school bus, and a tree, before crashing in a yard close to North Clinton.
Police said it happened just after 2 p.m. when an officer attempted to stop James Pequignot, 54, who was wanted on multiple felonies. The FWPD said he sped off from the initial stop at Meyer Rd. and Washington Blvd.
A short time later, police claim Pequignot grazed a school bus before hitting a tree and crashing in the front yard of a home in the 5100 block of Riviera Drive. Police said no kids were on the bus at the time.
Pequignot then reportedly fled on foot. He was tased when officers caught him and taken into custody.
Police said he now faces preliminary felony charges of Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle and Habitual Traffic Violator. New misdemeanors were Resisting Law Enforcement on Foot, Resisting Law Enforcement/Physical, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
The FWPD released the following:
On November 2, 2023 at roughly 2:06 PM the Fort Wayne Police Gang and Violent Crimes Unit attempted a traffic stop on a warrant suspect at Meyer Rd. and Washington Blvd. The driver refused to pullover and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle pursuit ended at 2:15 PM in the area of Wakefield and Rivieria. The suspect vehicle grazed an empty school bus, causing minor damage, then crashed into a tree. The driver then fled on foot, was tased and taken into custody. The suspect had multiple warrants for Escape, Violation Home Detention, Habitual Traffic Violator, and Possession of Narcotics.
Suspect Arrested #1: James Pequignot, 54 years of age
Preliminary Charges: Resisting Law Enforcement/Vehicle (Felony)
Preliminary Charges: Resisting Law Enforcement/Foot (Misdemeanor)
Preliminary Charges: Resisting Law Enforcement/Physical (Misdemeanor)
Preliminary Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Misdemeanor)
Preliminary Charges: Habitual Traffic Violator (Felony)
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