On 12/29/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Branson R. Hall, age 25, of Mt. Carmel for Escape-Failure to Report to a Penal Institution, Unlawful Restraint, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and an ordinance violation for Operating an Unregistered Motorized Bicycle in the Roadway. Police were called to a business at 2nd & Walnut Street after an employee texted individuals saying they needed help and were fearful of Hall. The individuals responded and found the building locked with Hall inside along with the employee. After yelling repeatedly for Hall to unlock the door he did so and fled on foot. Furthermore, officers learned that Hall had left a court ordered rehabilitation center and failed to return to jail, as ordered by the court. As officers attempted to locate Hall, an officer found him operating a motorized bicycle on the south end of Mt. Carmel so they attempted to stop him with emergency lights and siren. Hall attempted to flee the officer which ended with Hall being taken into custody by MCPD officers on the other side of the levee south of Hydraulic Ave. Hall was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.
