'I can't believe ya'll did this to me': Docs detail Westfield PD's encounter with man who shot at po

WESTFIELD, Ind. - An affidavit for probable cause filed on Monday has shed new light on a police chase that led a man to allegedly fire shots at police officers in Westfield.




Court records indicate police first encountered 25-year-old John Jarell Holden on U.S Highway 31 southbound last Wednesday. Police observed Holden driving a GMC SUV.




WPD reported that automated license plate reader data indicated Holden - the registered owner of the car - had a suspended license. After receiving a notification from the license plate reader, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the vehicle.




Initially, Holden pulled into a gas station parking lot. Instead of coming to a stop, however, Holden drove through the gas station parking lot and then sped up as he drove onto Chad Hittle Drive.




Once Holden sped up, a formal police pursuit began. Court records indicate that Holden made U-turns, drove on the wrong side of the road, weaved in and out of traffic, went the wrong way in a roundabout and went through at least one residential backyard during the chase.




The chase ultimately came to an end in the 1800 block of Dan Patch Lane, where Holden allegedly crashed into a ditch. According to court records, Holden exited his vehicle after the crash and fired shots at police.




At least one of the shots Holden fired struck a WPD officer in the hand. In an affidavit, WPD noted that a pair of arborists was in both the suspect and cops' line of fire.




In a report on the incident, WPD officers wrote that it appeared "the driver was willing to kill (officers) in order to escape police, and had no regard for their, or others' lives."




After firing shots, Holden allegedly ran into a wooded area. Previous reporting indicates WPD issued warnings about their search for an armed suspect in the area around 1:52 p.m. last Wednesday. WPD held a briefing around 5 p.m. the same day and announced they had apprehended the suspect.




Court records indicate a civilian spotted Holden running southwest in the 19000 block of Ethan Allen Lane around 2:18 p.m. Police then located Holden in a tree line near the East Street bridge and 196th Street.




Police found a black Glock 22 handgun with a flashlight under-barrel attachment on it when they searched Holden's person.




After police detained him, Holden refused to answer questions. WPD later reviewed bodycam footage captured by officers who apprehended Holden in the tree line near the East Street bridge and 196th Street.




Court records indicate that the video appeared to show Holden saying "I can't believe ya'll did this to me, I was just trying to go home" and "ya'll was literally following me for no reason."

Investigators recovered a bullet that pierced a nearby trailer during the shooting involving Holden and WPD officers.




Police also obtained area security camera video during their investigation of the incident. Per WPD, that video appeared to show Holden firing multiple shots, as flashes could be seen emanating from his gun and visible dust flew around police officers after Holden drew his weapon.




Police also conducted a check of Holden's criminal history. That check revealed that he had previously been found guilty of resisting law enforcement, unlawful carrying of a handgun and issuing a false statement to obtain a firearm. The guilty findings were issued from 2022-25.




The official charges Holden faces for allegedly fleeing from and shooting at WPD officers are:

• Two counts of attempted murder





• Five counts of resisting law enforcement





• Three counts of unlawful carrying of a handgun





• One count of criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon





• One count of battery by means of deadly weapon

Holden appeared in court for an initial hearing on Monday.




The two counts of attempted murder are the most serious of the charges Holden faces. In Indiana, the maximum penalty for a Level 1 Felony, like attempted murder, is a 40-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.





via: https://fox59.com/news/i-cant-believe-yall-did-this-to-me-docs-detail-westfield-pds-encounter-with-man-who-shot-at-police/