Attempted Traffic Stops Leads To Pursuit, One Pound Of Methamphetamine Recovered

This incident occurred on Monday.

Michael Franklin and Robert Sibley Photos Provided

(Jennings County, Ind.) – Two men were arrested yesterday following a short police pursuit.

At approximately 8:04 p.m., a Jennings County Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle when the vehicle fled north on County Road 600 West in Spencer Township.

While in pursuit, the deputy observed an occupant of the vehicle throw articles from the vehicle. As the pursuit continued, another Jennings County Deputy was able to successfully use a tire deflation device in the area of County Road 550 West and County Road 300 North in Geneva Township.

The vehicle then attempted to elude the deputies by traveling off the roadway through a large field.

The vehicle then became disabled in a large drainage ditch, where Michael Franklin and another male subject, identified as Robert Sibley, 51 of Madison then fled on foot. Deputies were then able to take both men into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Deputies then went back to the area where the articles were thrown from the vehicle and found 1 pound of Methamphetamine and approximately 1 ounce of Heroin / Fentanyl. Deputies also seized over $3,000 in U.S. currency from Sibley. Both men were transported to the Jennings County Jail where they are currently being held.

Franklin was charged with the following: Dealing Methamphetamine (level 2 felony), Resisting Law Enforcement (level 6 felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (level 3 felony), Possession of Syringe (level 6 felony), Possession of Marijuana (class b misdemeanor). He is being held on a $10,155 cash bond.

Sibley was charged with the following: Dealing Methamphetamine (level 2 felony), Resisting Law Enforcement (level 6 felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (level 3 felony), Possession of Syringe (level 6 felony), Possession of Marijuana (class B misdemeanor). He is being held on a $20,155 cash bond. Sibley's bond was doubled due to being on House arrest through Jefferson County.