A one-day trial was held in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday. John Piper, 29, of Knox, was accused of unlawful possession of a syringe as a Level 6 Felony, resisting law enforcement as a Level 6 Felony and driving while suspended as a Class A misdemeanor.
Knox City Police Officer Patrick McKee testified that he attempted to pull over a green Mustang with a nonfunctioning headlight near downtown Knox. He testified that he also recognized the driver, John Piper, and knew he had a suspended driver’s license. He explained that Piper did not stop for a traffic stop and led police on a short police chase down Lake Street, to 500 East and then to 400 North. Starke County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Daniel Byrd testified that he deployed stop sticks at U.S. 35 and 400 North. and Piper ran over the stop sticks and the vehicle’s tires deflated. The vehicle finally came to a stop on U.S. 35 at 500 North.
Piper would not get out of the car when ordered to do so by police, according to testimony. When he did get out of the car, he did not follow commands to surrender and he was tazed by Deputy Byrd and Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Hudgens. He was eventually taken into custody. In a search of the vehicle, there were two used syringes in a box inside the vehicle, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Officer McKee and Deputies Byrd and Hudgens testified for the prosecution. There were no witnesses for the defense and Piper did not take the stand in his own defense.
After receiving instructions, the six-member jury deliberated for about 15 to 20 minutes before returning verdicts.
The jury found Piper not guilty on the Level 6 Felony charge of unlawful possession of a syringe. He was found guilty on the Level 6 Felony charge of resisting law enforcement and guilty on the Class A Misdemeanor charge of driving while suspended. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, June 3 at 2 p.m. CT in Starke Circuit Court.
Piper was taken back to the Starke County Justice Center following the trial.
Starke County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Micah Cox represented the State of Indiana in the case while Richard Ballard represented the defendant. Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall presided over the trial.
