Elkhart man facing several charges after police chase ends in crash, SWAT situation

ELKHART, Ind. (WNDU) - An Elkhart man is facing several charges after he led police on a chase, crashed his van, and barricaded himself inside the vehicle for several hours on Monday.

34-year-old Joshua Welch was arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, criminal recklessness, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and resisting law enforcement in a vehicle. He was also booked into the jail on outstanding and unrelated warrants.

The chase began shortly an Elkhart police officer saw a suspected stolen vehicle while on patrol. The officer tried to pull the van over, but it sped away.

The chase only lasted a few minutes before the van struck a pole near the intersection of W. Lusher Avenue and S. 6th Street.

As officers approached the van, Welch allegedly told them he was armed. Elkhart County SWAT was called to the scene a short time later based on that statement and his refusal to exit the van.

After multiple attempts at negotiation with Welch, SWAT team members deployed chemical irritants into the van. He eventually exited the van and surrendered. He was taken to jail after he was medically cleared at the hospital.

Police say they found a gun inside the van Welch was driving, and they believe it had been fired. Ballistic and other tests are reportedly still pending.

On Tuesday, an Elkhart County Magistrate found probable cause for Welch’s arrest and set his bail at $750,000 (10% cash-no surety). Formal charges for Welch are still pending.

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