Eckerty pair jailed after wild run from police

TELL CITY - Two Eckerty men who allegedly fled from police Wednesday night after ramping their car onto the top of a hill near the Tell City Ranger Station remained in jail Friday afternoon.

Jason W. Smith, 24, of 6868 Governor's Trace and Tommy Britt, 21, of 1017 S. Cemetery Lane, each face charges of resisting law enforcement. Britt, who police said was the driver of the car that fled from them, is also charged with criminal recklessness and reckless driving.

Patrolman Roger Smith said he tried to stop the black Oldsmobile after seeing Britt ignore the traffic light at 12th and Tell streets. Instead of stopping, Britt allegedly sped away, initiating a pursuit that traveled as far east as 34th Street and west to Sixth Street.

At one point during the pursuit, Roger Smith's squad car struck a mailbox, damaging the vehicle's mirror. Also following the fleeing suspects was Tell City Patrolman Philip Flamion, whose in-car camera recorded the sudden end of the chase. Police said Britt was traveling south on 16th Street next to Roy Fenn Park but missed the sharp right-hand turn onto Washington Street.

Britt's car hit the curb and was jettisoned into the air momentarily before continuing up the steep, frozen hillside. Britt stopped the car at the crest of the hill, police said. He and Jason Smith, who was in the passenger seat, allegedly fled on foot. Jason Smith was captured near Spring Hill Apartments by Officer Heather Glenn. In his possession, police said, was a large knife.

Patrolman Derrick Lawalin and his canine, Jago, tracked Britt for approximately three miles before the dog located the man lying on the ground. Britt suffered a minor bite from the dog.

Both men were lodged in the Perry County Jail. Police later searched the car, which was towed from the scene.

Lawalin said neither man had a valid license, but officers aren't sure why Britt decided to flee from police after running the red light.