Pursuit of stolen truck ends in drowning rescue

IU police left messages on three damaged vehicles in the Athletics White Lot telling the owners to contact the IU Police Department, said IUPD Chief Keith Cash.

The damages occurred during the pursuit of a stolen vehicle that ended with the rescue of the suspect, Wesley J. Catoire, 21, who was drowning. At around 5:48 a.m. Friday, Cash said IUPD received a broadcast from Bloomington Police about the theft.

After leading IUPD, Bloomington Police, Monroe County and Indiana State Police in pursuit of stolen Dodge pickup truck, Catoire ran off the road north of the 45/46 Bypass near the Quality Inn and Super 8 Motel and fled on foot to a quarry hole where he jumped into the water.

Four members of IUPD pursued Catoire and when he yelled he was drowning, IUPD Brian Oliger jumped into the water to help Catoire to shore. He was then taken into custody.

Catoire was taken to Bloomington Hospital to be treated for minor cuts and scrapes.

The truck, which had a power-washing trailer attached, was stolen on Kirkwood Avenue and IUPD Officer Brice Teter spotted the truck at Tenth Street and Indiana Avenue.

Catoire accelerated the truck north into the white lot where he hit the parked vehicles. During the pursuit, state police were able to flatten the truck’s front left tire with “stop sticks” as Catoire attempted to exit State Road 37.

Catoire could face charges of resisting law enforcement from IUPD which is a D Felony, as well as addition misdemeanor charges that BPD are addressing, said Cash.