Staff Report

PIERCETON — A Pierceton man was arrested after allegedly fleeing from police officers who were attempting to serve a warrant. 

Edward Smith Jr.

Edward Earl Smith Jr., 44, 3104 E. Wooster Road 65, Pierceton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine – enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony; carrying a handgun without a license, a class A misdemeanor, resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; carrying a handgun without a license, a level 5 felony; and habitual offender – enhancement.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on May 3, deputies with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a warrant on Smith at his Pierceton residence. 

When the deputies arrived at the residence, a Fast Cab van pulled into the driveway. Shortly after the cab arrived, Smith exited the residence and walked toward the cab. 

One of the deputies approached Smith and told him to turn around and put his hands behind his back.

At that time, Smith fled on foot. The deputies pursued him and were able to apprehend him not far from his home.

A Winona Lake officer who assisted with the arrest found methamphetamine in Smith’s shirt pocket. 

In the path where Smith had run from officers, one of the deputies found a handgun. It had been raining throughout the night and was misting when the gun was located. The surface of the gun was dry when found.

Smith has two additional criminal cases pending.

He was booked at the Kosciusko County Jail May 4 on a $5,750 surety and cash bond.