GRANT COUNTY, IN- On December 6th, 2024, 4:48 PM: Grant County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop on a stolen vehicle near 22nd and Washington Street in Marion.
The vehicle was stopped, but the driver failed to follow several commands from deputies to show his hands and exit the vehicle. The driver then put the vehicle in drive and fled from deputies, initiating a vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit involved several local law enforcement officers in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. It lasted 12 minutes, traveling from central Marion into south Marion, east on 38th Street to Home Corner, then onto Home Avenue before turning north on Pennsylvania Avenue from Lincoln Blvd and then to State Road 18 East. The chase continued eastbound on SR 18 to Montpelier Pike near the intersection of 400 E, and then back to 3500 East Montpelier Pike, where the pursuit went off-road. The suspect drove approximately 1/4 mile across a farm field before crashing into a wooded area and getting the vehicle stuck.
The suspect then refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle and surrender. The suspect, identified as Frank Phan, has a prior criminal history and is a known felon who was considered armed and dangerous. He was also wanted out of the State of Ohio on additional charges. Deputies attempted to negotiate his surrender using a loudspeaker and telephone contact, but he continued to ignore commands.
After a 49-minute standoff, the Sheriff’s Office deployed the MRAP armored vehicle to approach the suspect for a physical apprehension. At this point, Frank Phan voluntarily surrendered, exiting the vehicle with his hands in the air.
The vehicle, a gray 2010 Audi SUV, was reported stolen to the Fort Wayne Police Department on December 1st, 2024.
Preliminary charges:
16-42-19-13: (F6) Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug
35-43-4-2(a): (F6) Auto Theft
35-44.1-3-1(a)(1): (F6) Resisting Law Enforcement
35-48-4-11(a)(1): (MB) Possession of Marijuana
9-21-8-52(a)(1): (MB) Reckless Driving
Bond is currently set at $3,105.00 cash, and there is an outstanding warrant in Ohio.
There were no injuries during the pursuit, and only minor damage was sustained to a police vehicle. Deputies were assisted in the vehicle pursuit by several law enforcement agencies, including Marion Police (Indiana), Gas City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. The Indiana State Police aviation section also provided air support with a helicopter.
Sheriff Del Garcia stated, “If you come to Grant County with the intent to commit crimes, know this—we will have a place for you in the Grant County Jail. Our deputies work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community, and we will hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or knowledge of individuals with outstanding warrants. Also, if you are aware of drug activity or have information on crimes occurring in Grant County, contact Grant County Crime Stoppers, by submitting a tip at www.p3tips.com/339 or calling 765-662-8477.
