COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies arrested a local woman after a traffic stop and a foot chase, followed by an altercation with deputies and Columbus police.
At 2:52 p.m. Friday, Sheriff Deputy Ryan Smith was driving north on State Street when he observed a silver SUV traveling erratically in the southbound lanes. Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dane Duke said the SUV was traveling at about 80 mph, swerving and passing other vehicles recklessly. Smith activated his emergency lights and siren to catch up and stop the SUV.
As Smith was closing the distance with the SUV, it turned north on Marr Road and then entered the parking lot of Columbus East High School, stopping in front of the school. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Samaya Ivory, 21, 3364 Woodland Ridge, Columbus, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, Duke said. Smith gave Ivory several verbal commands to stop however she continued to run and began pulling on several exterior doors all of which were locked.
An officer from the Columbus Police Department was able to grab one of Ivory’s arms, however she continued to resist, Duke said. Smith also grabbed Ivory, and at this time all three fell to the ground.
While on the ground Smith felt Ivory pulling his duty weapon until her arms were able to be secured, Duke said. She was then placed in handcuffs after additional law enforcement arrived to assist. During this physical altercation, Smith suffered abrasions to both elbows and knees.
Ivory was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital. While there, she kicked another deputy in the chest while being medically evaluated, Duke said.
Ivory was given jail clearance after which she was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail. Ivory was booked on preliminary charges of reckless driving, battery on a law enforcement officer (two counts), resisting law enforcement with injury and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer.
Ivory was also found to have been entered as a missing person through the Columbus Police Department.
Ivory remains in custody on a 72 hour hold at the Bartholomew County Jail, jail officials said.
