Richmond – This morning shortly after 1 a.m. Pendleton Trooper Andy Wandersee was driving through Richmond, eastbound on Richmond Avenue, when a Dodge truck turned out in front of him and almost hit his police car.  He attempted to stop the truck, but it took off.

The truck, driven by a Zachary Garland, 22, of Delaware Ohio, turned onto Fort Wayne Avenue, and after a couple more turns, ended up north bound on Chester Blvd., disregarding every stop light and stop sign it encountered while driving at a high rate of speed.

As they approached Middle Drive, the truck attempted to execute a right hand turn from Chester Blvd. onto Middle, but didn’t quite make it.  It ended up going through a yard and through the front of the house located at 1701 Chester Blvd.  Luckily no one in the house, or Garland, was injured.

Estimated damage of the home and truck was listed at $100,000.  Garland was arrested for Resisting Law Enforcement, Class “D” Felony, Operating While Intoxicated, Class “A” Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, Class “C” Misdemeanor.  In addition Garland was wanted on a warrant for Petition to Revoke Probation on an original charge of Recklessness. His bond was set at $7,000.

The Indiana State Police is committed to reducing the number of impaired driving crashes as well as all crashes.  Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.