Suspect crashes into state trooper's car

EVANSVILLE - A Tell City native now serving as an Indiana State Police trooper received minor injuries Saturday when a suspect allegedly high on methamphetamine crashed into his squad car in Evansville.

According to Sgt. Todd Ringle, Trooper Mike Lehmkuhler attempted to stop a 1988 Chevrolet pickup truck after the driver, later identified as David Eugene Walden, 39, of Boonville, disregarded an automatic signal on the Lloyd Expressway at St. Joseph Avenue.

Police said Walden refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that continued until Walden crashed his truck into two Evansville police cars and then spun around and drove into Lehmkuhler's car.

It was later discovered that the vehicle Walden had been driving was allegedly stolen from the Lynnville area approximately four hours earlier.

Police said Walden was under the influence of methamphetamine and alcohol.

Lehmkuhler, the two Evansville police officers were taken to Deaconess Hospital for minor injuries.

Walden was treated for his injuries and jailed later that day.

Lehmkuhler's brother, Mark, is also a state trooper and lives in Perry County.