Putnam County---This morning at 9:38, Indiana State Police Senior Trooper Chris Harcourt was working routine traffic patrol on US 40 near County Road 400 East in Putnam County, when he radar tracked a silver, 2003, Pontiac at 80 miles-per-hour in the westbound  passing lane. As Trooper Harcourt turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver of the Pontiac suddenly veered to the right across the driving lane, and attempted to turn right onto County Road 300 East. The sudden erratic driving behavior gave Harcourt the impression the driver was attempting to evade apprehension. As Harcourt closed the distance, he noticed the silver Pontiac appeared to be sliding sideways as it was attempting to turn right onto CR 300E and watched as it struck a stop sign and earthen embankment.

The driver, John E. Spencer, age 20, of Fillmore, IN., was cited and released for class B Misdemeanor Reckless Driving-Speed Endangering, and 80mph in a 55mph zone (infraction).

The estimate of damages from the crash was $1000, plus the fines and cost of the citations and the subsequent cost of the wrecker service to remove the vehicle. The financial end result will likely be much more than a routine speeding citation had the driver chosen to immediately stop.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.