Published: November 09, 2009 11:46 pm      

Peru man facing multiple charges after car chase

A Miami County man was jailed on multiple felony charges after his arrest early Saturday morning, the Indiana State Police reported Monday.

Hector Blanco, 34, reportedly led state trooper Mike Lorona on a short car chase before Blanco crashed and continued to flee on foot.

ISP spokesman Sgt. Tony Slocum said Blanco was driving a 1989 Lincoln near the intersection of Ellis Road and Business 31 without headlights when he passed Lorona’s patrol car. State police said Blanco turned westbound on 300 South and accelerated after Lorona gave chase.

The chase ended, police said, when Blanco failed to navigate a curve and traveled off the north side of the road, striking a utility pole.

Miami County Sheriff Sgt. Gary Glassburn spotted Blanco about one hour later, walking near the entrance of Woodland Hills Trailer Court. State police said Blanco resisted being taken into custody. They credited a helpful trailer court resident with helping Glassburn subdue Blanco.

Blanco was taken to Dukes Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for facial lacerations. Glassburn also was treated for minor injuries.

Police said they found about 3 grams of cocaine near Blanco’s vehicle and also found that he’d had his driver’s license suspended for life.

He faces felony charges of resisting law enforcement, driving after having his license revoked for life, possession of cocaine and battery on a police officer, and a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He is being held at the Miami County Jail on $37,000 bail.