MUNCIE, IN — A Farmland man was arrested after he allegedly broke into a home in eastern Delaware County, stole a vehicle and then led police on a high-speed chase.
Joshua Carl Benge, 41, was being held without bond in the Delaware County Jail on Wednesday, June 24, on suspicion of burglary, auto theft, resisting law enforcement in a vehicle, criminal mischief, reckless driving and driving without ever receiving a license.
According to Delaware County sheriff’s deputies, the Farmland man was arrested on June 18 after the occupant of a home along East Delaware County Road 100 North reported encountering an intruder — later identified as Benge — in his home.
Benge allegedly fled from the scene in a Dodge Durango stolen from that property.
Muncie police a short time later observed the stolen SUV traveling on East Jackson Street, and a chase ensued.
Officers reported efforts to pull the Durango over failed, with the driver — later identified as Benge — running about 10 stop signs and “traveling at increased speeds in populated areas.”
The chase ended near University Avenue and Reserve Street. An officer said a rear wheel of the Durango was “completely flat and smoking.”
A deputy reported when he was taken into custody, Benge was “in possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.”
According to an affidavit, when interviewed by deputies, Benge acknowledged having stolen the SUV from a property in eastern Delaware County.
The office of Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman will determine whether formal charges will be filed.
According to court records, Benge — formerly of Indianapolis and Mooresville — has been convicted of crimes including auto theft, battery against a public safety official, burglary, driving while intoxicated, invasion of privacy, possession of a controlled substance, residential entry, robbery and theft.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Burglary, SUV theft, police chase lead to Farmland man’s arrest
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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By Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press | USA TODAY Network
