Police arrested a Bloomington man Monday in a field off of West Howard Road, following a car chase from Fresh Thyme.
Bloomington Police Department narcotics officers had been in contact with Steven Buck, 48, prior to the arrest. There was a warrant out for Buck's arrest on narcotics charges in Greene County, Sgt. Dana Cole said, and officers arranged to meet him at the Fresh Thyme on West Third Street. Once officers arrived at the store at 8:40 p.m., Buck allegedly fled in his brown Ford Ranger.
Officers followed Buck, who drove north on Curry Pike, then turned onto West Vernal Pike and later onto West Howard Road. Police said Buck then drove into an open field at 9800 W. Howard Road and started driving in circles.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department joined BPD officers, Cole said, and tried to stop Buck by shooting paintball-like objects filled with pepper at his car, which failed. He continued driving in circles for around an hour, but officers said he never drove aggressively or threateningly.
Officers called Buck on his cell phone, but he didn’t answer and indicated he wasn’t going to stop, Cole said. At 9:45 p.m., the police shift commander decided to leave the field in order to get a search warrant.
However, once police left, Buck stayed in the field, witnesses said. Police began receiving calls from neighbors of the field complaining about damaged property.
At 10:20 p.m. the field’s owner called, saying she was familiar with Buck, who was still parked in the field with his lights on, and wanted him removed. The owner also told police that she was fearful because of his drug abuse and erratic behavior, Cole said.
Shortly after the call, officers headed back to the field, where Buck was still parked. They again tried to call Buck, who this time answered. After an hour and a half of negotiations, officers drove toward and surrounded Buck.
Buck was then compliant with officers, who handcuffed and detained him, Cole said. He is facing charges of resisting law enforcement and criminal mischief as well as his warrant narcotics charges.
