Traffic stop leads to shot fired, crash

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A struggle during a traffic stop landed a man in police custody early Friday morning.

According to Lafayette Police Lieutenant Brad Hayworth, 31-year-old Javon Patterson was pulled over around 2:37 a.m. Friday on Poland Hill Road near Twyckenham Boulevard.

As the officer approached the SUV, a struggle took place. Deputy Chief David Payne confirmed Friday afternoon that Officer Khoury Elias then fired a shot into the back window of the vehicle and Patterson sped off.

Patterson later allegedly crashed his SUV into a fence at the corner of Poland Hill Road and Ortman Lane. Police said the driver tried to get away on foot but was taken into custody by officers.

Patterson was arrested on two counts of resisting law enforcement, one for running on foot, and one for fleeing in his automobile.

He was also arrested for dealing marijuana (less than 30 grams), dealing cocaine, criminal recklessness with a vehicle, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and operating while intoxicated.

Sgt. Jeromy Rainey said Patterson was the only person in the vehicle.

No one was injured in the incident. The case is under investigation by Lafayette police detectives.

Payne said it is Lafayette Police policy to conduct criminal and internal affairs investigations any time an officer involved shooting happens. He said those investigations are underway, and when they are complete, a Use of Deadly Force Review Board will review the results and decide if the incident was within policy, accidental, or not within policy.