UPDATE: Cincinnati Man Facing Numerous Charges After Stolen School Bus Pursuit

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 6:26 AM

Police were led on a nearly hour long pursuit on Tuesday morning through Decatur and Shelby counties.

Chad Murdock. Photo provided.

(Decatur County, Ind.) - A Cincinnati man has been identified as the suspect that stole and school bus and led a nearly hour long pursuit through Indiana on Tuesday morning.

At around 10:15 a.m., Indiana State Police-Versailles Post were contacted by Ohio authorities who relayed information that a yellow 2021 Universal Transportation Services bus had been stolen from the Cincinnati area and was being tracked while it traveled westbound on Interstate 74 near Batesville.

The bus, driven by Chad Murdock, 32, was followed by Batesville Police and ISP Troopers as it entered Decatur County. The troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, and Murdock did not stop and fled from officers in the vehicle.

Several attempts to slow and/or stop the bus with stop sticks failed as Murdock was willing to drive off road. He eventually pulled off of I-74 into a field and drove onto U.S. 421. He continued on numerous county roads and eventually made way to State Road 9.

During the pursuit, Murdock drove through numerous fields and yards. He also damaged multiple police vehicles.

After several failed attempts, officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device successfully which caused the tires on the bus to deflate.

At 11:15 a.m., officers boxed the bus in as it drove through only field near County Road 25 East, just south of Shelbyville. It was there that Murdock was taken into custody without further incident.

No injuries were reported.

Murdock was transported to the Decatur County Jail on charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property, and Criminal Mischief. Additional charges are possible, according to ISP.