A routine traffic stop took an unexpected turn on Monday night in Patoka, Gibson County. At around 7:45 p.m., Trooper Hurley pulled over Zeberiah Stilwell, 46, of Princeton, for speeding – driving at 49 mph in a 25 mph zone on Main Street near River Road. Upon detecting the smell of burnt cannabis, Trooper Hurley sought assistance for a sobriety test. Stilwell abruptly fled the scene, leading troopers on a chase through the streets. Stilwell navigated through various roads before ultimately driving off-road onto CR 15 East, where his vehicle got stuck in the mud. Stilwell fled on foot but was apprehended by Trooper Hurley after a short pursuit. Stilwell engaged in a physical altercation with troopers Hurley and Marsee, resulting in minor injuries for both officers. A search of Stilwell’s vehicle uncovered a loaded .22 caliber handgun without a serial number, syringes, drug paraphernalia, and a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Stilwell was transported to the Gibson County Jail, where he is currently held without bond. Charges include possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, battery with bodily waste, resisting law enforcement, possession of meth, and more.
