Two Arrested After Police Pursuit in Jennings County

The short pursuit took place on U.S. 50 near Butlerville.

(Jennings County, Ind.) - Jennings County Sheriff's deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on June 7. 

Instead, they were led on a pursuit that started on U.S. 50 East near Butlerville after a vehicle failed to stop. Shortly afterward, the vehicle crashed and the male driver fled on foot. 

At the time, deputies believed the vehicle was operated by Toby Atha, who had an active Level 2 Felony arrest warrant issued in Jackson County. 

The next day, deputies received information regarding Atha's whereabouts and he was located at a camper approximately 700 feet from the crash site. 

He was located hiding under a bed mattress and frame inside the camper. According to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office, Atha refused to comply with verbal commands and was apprehended by K9 Brock. Following a brief struggle, Atha was taken into custody. Two handguns were allegedly recovered in close proximity to where he was found. 

Atha received on-scene medical treatment from Rescue 20 for injuries and was then transported to a local hospital before being booked into jail.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the camper, which was granted by the Jennings County Circuit Court. During the search, Deputies recovered approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, and various other items.

James Atha, the owner of the camper, was also arrested and transported to the Jennings County Jail.

Preliminary Charges for Toby Atha are Warrant (Level 2 Felony,) Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony).

James Atha is charged with Assisting a Criminal (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony).