For Immediate Release

Date: 06/12/2024

Location: St Joe Center Rd & Reed Rd

Time: 1137 Hours

Suspect Arrested #1: Demarcus Thomas

Preliminary Charges: Resisting Law Enforcement – Fleeing (vehicle) Level 6 Felony; Resisting Law Enforcement causing injury Level 6 Felony; Battery Committed with a Deadly Weapon Level 5 Felony; Dealing in Cocaine or Narcotic Drugs (2 Counts) Level 2 Felony

Details/Summary:

Officer treated for minor injuries from narcotic exposure after vehicle pursuit. On Wednesday June 12, 2024 at approximately 1137 hrs. Officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of St Joe Center Rd & Reed Rd after observing a black GMC Sierra disregarded a stop sign near Rothman & Reed. The driver failed to yield leading officers on a pursuit traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The pursuit ended when the driver lost control striking the median then a curb and a tree near Stellhorn & Hobson Rd.

The driver exited the vehicle and began to physically fight with officers. During the ensuing fight, the suspect struck an officer in the face with a grocery bag releasing a white powdery substance that coated his face and uniform. The suspect was eventually taken into custody where he stated the substance was cocaine. Both the officer and suspect were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Officer Daniel Nerzig
Fort Wayne Police Department