Case International tractor involved in slow-speed pursuit

Sheriff Jeff Grey reports his Office assisted in a slow speed pursuit that began in Decatur, Indiana and involved a man who was operating a Case International 5130 Farm Tractor (Unknown year). Mercer County Central Dispatch received a call from Adams County Indiana at 8:34 PM Monday evening requesting assistance with trying to stop the tractor. Adams County also reported the tractor had struck several vehicles and did property damage while in Indiana. They further reported the operator rammed an Adams County Sheriff’s cruiser while a deputy was trying to get the tractor stopped.

A Deputy from Mercer County deployed stop sticks. The suspect then swerved in an attempt to strike the Deputy. The suspect also attempted to ram several patrol cars while in Mercer County. The low speed pursuit continued through Mercer County in the area of Chattanooga, Strable Road, and Burrville Road. The tractor eventually stopped due to mechanical problems on Burrville Road, just north of Strable Road. The suspect did not respond to verbal commands to shut off and exit the tractor. Eventually, a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy deployed his Taser. The suspect then complied without any further incident.

The suspect was identified as Dustin D. Clouse, 20, 3916 East 200 North Decatur, Indiana. Mr. Clouse was transported to Mercer Health, per policy, by a Mercer County Sheriff’s deputy after being tased. Once cleared at the hospital, he was incarcerated at the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility on a felony charge of fleeing and eluding. The case will be reviewed by the Mercer County and Adams County Prosecutor’s Office. Additional charges may be filed in Ohio and/or Indiana after that review.

“This was an unusual pursuit, we are happy that no one from the public, Mr. Clouse, or law enforcement was injured,” stated Sheriff Grey, “law enforcement agencies from both states worked well together to bring this to a safe conclusion.” Agencies involved in the investigation were the Adams County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office, Decatur Police Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.