PoliceActivity

Police Chase Stolen School Bus Through Farmland

Added 2023-06-01 20:19:47 +0000 UTC

Shelbyville, Indiana – On May 30, 2023, around 10:15 a.m. a school bus driver was practicing routes for a summer class and was nearby when a suspect jumped in the bus and drove off. The bus driver immediately reported it stolen. No children were ever on the bus, officials said. The bus, driven by suspect Chad Murdock, 32, was followed by Batesville Police and ISP Troopers as it entered Decatur County. The troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, and Murdock did not stop and fled from officers in the vehicle. Several attempts to slow and/or stop the bus with stop sticks failed as Murdock was willing to drive off road. He eventually pulled off of I-74 into a field and drove onto U.S. 421.

He continued on numerous county roads and eventually made way to State Road 9. During the pursuit, Murdock drove through numerous fields and yards. He also damaged multiple police vehicles. After several failed attempts, officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device successfully which caused the tires on the bus to deflate. At 11:15 a.m., officers boxed the bus in as it drove through only field near County Road 25 East, just south of Shelbyville. It was there that Murdock was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported. Murdock was transported to the Decatur County Jail on charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property, and Criminal Mischief. Additional charges are possible, according to ISP.