Peru man arrested following vehicle pursuit in Fulton County

FULTON COUNTY, Ind. -- On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Indiana State Trooper Chad Babbs was patrolling on old U.S. 31 near C.R. 400 South before attempting to stop a 2008 Silver Chevrolet Impala for driving left of center.

The driver of the Impala initially stopped for Trooper Babbs, however, soon fled the scene during a traffic stop leading Babbs into pursuit.

Amid the pursuit, the driver of the Impala threw a substance from the vehicle, later to be found as methamphetamine.

Babbs eventually caught the vehicle and identified the driver as 58-year-old Jeffery T. Azbell of Peru. A search of the Impala revealed controlled substances.

The investigation led to indications that Azbell was under the influence following field sobriety tests. Azbell was transported to a local hospital for a certified test before being taken to the Fulton County Jail.

Azbell was preliminarily charged with the following:

Possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony.

Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, Level 6 Felony.

Obstruction of justice, Level 6 Felony.

Possession of a controlled substance, Class A Misdemeanor.

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor.

Reckless driving, Class C Misdemeanor.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.