Empty gas tank ends vehicle chase in Pike County

Pike County – Two men were arrested after a quick 100 mph car chase ended when the suspect vehicle ran out of gas.

According to the Indiana State Police, at about 12:33 a.m., Tuesday, Trooper John Davis saw a black 2005 Nissan driving north on State Route 61 at 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. Davis activated his lights and sirens but the Nissan continued north.

When Davis got into Petersburg he noticed the Nissan stopped in the middle of SR 61 near Illinois Street. The vehicle turned left on Illinois and then north on Sixth Street before the driver jumped out and fled.

By this time the Petersburg police had arrived and took the passenger of the Nissan, later identified as Lukas J. Atkins, 33, of Petersburg, into custody.

Davis chased the driver, Jonathan Gerber-Bateman, 20, of West Baden Springs, for a couple of blocks before taking him into custody near Fifth Street and McCoy.

During the investigation, Atkins gave false information to officers.  He was arrested for false informing and taken to the Pike County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Gerber-Bateman was arrested for resisting law enforcement and is currently being held without bond.

Further investigation revealed Gerber-Bateman’s vehicle stalled because it was out of gas.

Gerber-Bateman was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Class D Felony),  Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor) and Reckless Driving (Class B Misdemeanor).

Atkins was charged with False Informing (Class B Misdemeanor).

Indiana State Police were assisted by the Petersburg Police and Pike County Sheriff’s Department.