UPDATE: Mt. Carmel Police Officer Daniel Hopper was released from Wabash General Hospital after sustaining minor injuries during yesterday’s vehicle pursuit that started at the Mt. Carmel High School and ended near Owensville, Indiana. Officer Hopper was at the Mt. Carmel High School investigating a threat to the school, when the 17 year old suspect struck Officer Hopper with his vehicle. MCPD Officer’s along with a Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the area and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle but he failed to stop. The vehicle continued into Indiana and then authorities in Indiana took over the pursuit. The suspect was apprehended by Indiana authorities and held pending extradition to Illinois. Earlier today the 17 year old was transported back to Illinois where he is charged with aggravated battery to a police officer. The 17 year old has been transferred to a juvenile holding facility with a scheduled court appearance early next week.
ORIGINAL: Mt. Carmel Police were involved in a vehicle pursuit that ended in Indiana. At approximately 3:20 pm Police were at the Mt. Carmel High School investigating an alleged threat made by a student. Shortly after police arrived on scene, Mt. Carmel dispatch was notified that a police officer was struck by a vehicle. The officer that was hit advised the vehicle failed to stop and he was in pursuit. Police officers responding to the area located the vehicle and joined the pursuit. The pursuit was picked up by Indiana authorities and a 17 year old male was taken into custody.
The Mt. Carmel Police officer is currently being treated at Wabash General Hospital. The Officer is expected to make a full recovery. Charges in Illinois are pending. This investigation is ongoing. An update on this case will be released tomorrow.