A traffic stop in Pleasantville escalated into a high-speed pursuit after a driver allegedly failed to obey a stop sign and continued driving through town.
On May 9 at approximately 9:20 p.m., the Pleasantville Police Department observed a pickup truck driven by Travis Trudeau, 48, of Pleasantville, fail to stop at the four-way stop intersection of Pleasant Street and Linden Street.
According to the criminal complaint, the vehicle did not make any attempt to stop and continued eastbound on Pleasant Street. Officers immediately attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Court documents state it was apparent the driver had no intention of stopping. The pickup then turned south onto State Street from Pleasant Street while still disregarding the stop sign.
Law enforcement reported that Trudeau continued southbound on State Street at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, officers reached speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour in a posted 25 mile-per-hour zone and activated their emergency lights and sirens.
Documents indicate officers ultimately conducted a felony stop and took Trudeau into custody. While speaking with him, officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Trudeau reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the stop.
Trudeau was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail for further testing and processing.
He is being held on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 19.
Trudeau faces charges of Eluding—speed exceeding 25 mph over the limit, a Class D felony, and Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), first offense, a serious misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
