Floyds Knobs man leads police on pursuit through three counties

Clark County

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January 1, 2010

Man accused of snatching purses in Louisville

By MATT THACKER The News and Tribune Fri Jan 01, 2010, 01:04 PM EST

A Floyds Knobs man was arrested Thursday evening after a wild police pursuit that began in Kentucky and crossed through Floyd County.

Floyd County Capt. Jeff Topping said Jason R. Becker, 33, of Scottsville Road, had allegedly snatched two women’s purses, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Second Division, which mostly consists of the area west of Interstate 264.

LMPD caught up to the suspect who was driving a Dodge Durango, but he fled into Indiana and onto U.S.150 before crashing on Farmer’s Lane in Greenville.

“They chased him through Floyd into Harrison (County), and they lost sight of him,” Topping said. “The reason they lost sight of him is because he went airborne and cleared about a five-foot fence and rolled the truck down through the field in the woods.”

Becker exited the truck and allegedly fled on foot to a nearby residence on Bradford Woods Road where he went in the bathroom to clean up. Topping said it appeared Becker had a broken nose, and his jaw and arms were bloody.

Topping said he was not sure if the homeowners knew Becker or not, but they called 911 to report him. Police arrested him at the residence.

Topping said about 10 LMPD cars chased Becker into Floyd County where Indiana State Police troopers joined the pursuit.

Stop sticks were placed along U.S. 150 near the border of Floyd and Harrison counties, but Becker swerved to miss them. Topping said the pursuit was mostly at about 50 to 55 mph until it reached Greenville. At that point, Becker allegedly increased his speed to more than 80 mph. He finally lost control trying to drive around a curve.

LMPD’s helicopter had been following the pursuit but had to wait near Floyds Knobs because the fog became too thick.

Becker was reportedly found with stolen credit cards, and the vehicle was recovered. He will be given a blood test to determine whether he was intoxicated.

Becker was transported to a Harrison County hospital. He faces preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and possession of stolen property in Harrison County.

Topping said Louisville authorities plan to charge Becker for assault and robbery.

Becker pleaded guilty in October of 2008 in Floyd County Superior Court No. 1 to possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail and three years of probation.