2 in custody after police chase puts 4 TSC schools on alert

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – Four schools were put on alert and two were taken into custody after a police chase in southern Tippecanoe County.

The chase came to an end outside one of those schools, Wainwright Middle School in the Tippecanoe School Corporation. The man and woman involved were in a truck believed to be involved in several daytime robberies in Clinton County.

Police said at least three guns were found in their vehicle.

The chase happened just before 1:30 p.m. on U.S. 52, near County Road 800 South. Indiana State Police Trooper Darrick Scott spotted a vehicle suspected as stolen and had been used in several area burglaries.

Scott said he pulled the truck over, but then the driver took off. Two people were taken into custody when the chase came to an end. He said evidence was found inside their vehicle.

“We did locate a hand gun, as well as rifle, and I think also a shot gun as well,” said Scott, who confirmed ammunition was also found inside the vehicle.

Law enforcement from Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County, Lafayette and Montgomery County all assisted in the chase.

Police told WISH-TV sister station WLFI evidence was also recovered on County Road 450 East. Officers confirmed a handgun was recovered, which was thrown out of the vehicle during the pursuit.

Both individuals were taken to the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post for questioning.

Wainwright Middle School was put on lock down, which means all students had to move away from the windows, lights were shut off and students stayed in their classrooms.

James Cole Elementary, Mayflower Mill Elementary and McCutcheon High School were put on lockout. This means students could move around like normal, but no one was allowed in or out of the schools.

All schools have since lifted their precautions.