Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Support the IDS in College Media Madness! Donate here March 24 - April 8.
Thursday, March 28
The Indiana Daily Student

Driver of van chased by IUPD officers, officially charged with multiple counts

Charges filed against student include DWI, resisting law enforcement

Sophomore Ravi J. Patel, the driver of the van that struck a concrete light pole in the Assembly Hall parking lot Thursday night, was arrested for resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in serious injury, reckless driving, criminal recklessness, illegal consumption of alcohol and reckless possession of paraphernalia, according to the IU Police Department. \nWhile the unidentified passenger in the van was treated at Bloomington Hospital for hand injuries, Patel was unharmed, IUPD Sgt. Don Schmuhl said, citing the police report. \nOfficer Ryan Corbett initially stopped Patel around 9:14 p.m. as he drove his GMC Savana through the intersection at Jordan Ave. and 17th St. Patel failed to stop at a stop sign. When Corbett got out of his car, Patel sped off, igniting a short chase, Schmuhl said.\n"We train at least once a year on how to approach a vehicle," Schmuhl said. "We don't just run up and start pulling people out."\nPatel then led Corbett down Fee Lane, and then turned left on an entrance way on the east side of the Assembly Hall parking lot, according to the report. After a circle around the arena, the driver pulled a sharp right turn into the "blue lot," fishtailing and careening off the concrete pole. The van fell over onto its side where it skidded to a halt.\nSchmuhl estimated IUPD has six to 10 chases a year.\nSince the passenger, who was not arrested, was taken to the hospital, Patel was given a blood test there instead of a Breathalyzer at the scene, Schmuhl said. IUPD is awaiting results of that test. \nPatel was taken to Monroe County Jail and was released late Thursday after his bail was paid.\n-- Contact Senior Writer Rick Newkirk at renewkir@indiana.edu.

Get stories like this in your inbox
Subscribe