Pursuit, stolen handgun mark deputy’s return from academy
It would be an understatement to say Deputy Nathan Trissel had an eventful first day back from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
On patrol Sunday morning on U.S. 40, Trissel observed an SUV driving at speeds in excess of 90 mph, so he attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
The suspect did not comply, and Trissel and other deputies began a pursuit that lasted about 20 minutes.
In the process, the suspect, 42-year-old Kenneth E. Ridge of Terre Haute, apparently attempted to fire shots at Trissel’s vehicle and then tried to get rid of the gun as he fled.
The pursuit ended in southeastern Putnam County, when the suspect stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into a cornfield. A citizen notified deputies when he crossed into another field.
When officer caught up with Ridge, he allegedly let them know he was not coming easily. At this point, they deployed a taser and he was taken into custody.
In the course of the investigation, Ridge informed officers he had attempted to shoot at Trissel’s vehicle but the gun had malfunctioned. He subsequently took the gun apart and tried to discard it in the field.
Several deputies, both on duty and off, responded to the area and searched the cornfield for the handgun. It was recovered.
Deputies discovered the 9-mm pistol had been stolen from Terre Haute.
Ridge was booked in the Putnam County Jail at 10:03 a.m. Sunday on initial charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, criminal recklessness, intimidation, pointing a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
Sheriff Scott Stockton also told the Banner Graphic that on Sunday evening, Ridge attacked a jail staffer.
The matter will be turned over to the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges.
Ridge has a lengthy criminal history, with multiple stints with the Indiana Department of Correction for convictions such as robbery, intimidation, battery, auto theft, possession of cocaine or narcotics and possession of precursors.