Multi-county pursuit ends with crash; bridge jump attempt

State police arrested Bedford man after a multi-county pursuit ended with him crashing into a bridge in Gibson County this afternoon.

At 12:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Regional Dispatch in Bloomington released a broadcast for any troopers in the area of Interstate 69 to observe for a gray 2000 Buick sedan driven by 24-year-old Bradley F. Barger of Bedford.

Barger was wanted on two active warrants through Lawrence County for domestic violence charges. According to Lawrence County, Barger was seen southbound on I-69, passing State Road 58.

Master Trooper Gary Wier located Barger at 12:17 p.m. southbound on I-69 at the 65.5 mile marker (3.5 miles north of Washington) and began following him. He requested that additional officers follow before attempting to pull Barger over.

At the 59 mile marker, after having additional troopers with him, Wier attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Barger. Barger failed to stop, accelerating from speeds of about 80 mph in excess of 100 mph.

The pursuit continued southbound through Pike County and into Gibson County. Troopers were positioned north of the 33-mile marker at the State Road 64/Huntingburg, Princeton exit to attempt to deploy tire deflation devices.

As Barger approached the stop sticks, he swerved and crashed into the Patoka River bridge. Barger exited his vehicle and attempted to jump off of the bridge and into the Patoka River, according to police. Troopers John Davis and Mitchell Wier grabbed Barger to keep him from jumping. The physical restraint ended in a fight in which Barger struck Trooper Davis in an effort to continue trying to jump.

Barger was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville for treatment of lacerations incurred during the crash. He was released from hospital care and transported to the Gibson County Jail for a Level 6 felony count of resisting law enforcement and a class A misdemeanor count of battery on a police officer in addition to the warrants from Lawrence county.

The highway was closed for about 45 minutes while officers dealt with the incident.