Clay County - At approximately 12:45 a.m., Indiana State Police Master Trooper Todd Brown observed a motorcycle with an expired license plate at County Road 300 West and County Road 1350 North in Clay County.

Master Trooper Brown activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, however the motorcycle did not stop.  The driver made the decision to get off of the county road and started traveling east on railroad tracks.  The motorcycle traveled a short distance until it became stuck on the tracks. 

As Master Trooper Brown approached the motorcycle, the driver jumped off and ran on foot.  The driver ran southbound through the woods, eventually falling into swampy water.  Master Trooper Brown located the driver in the swampy water and took him into custody without any further incident.  

The suspect was then identified as Charles Z. Atkinson, age 38, of Brazil, Indiana.  During the course of the investigation it was discovered that Atkinson was in possession of drug paraphernalia, a hypodermic syringe, and was intoxicated.  Atkinson was transported to the Clay County Jail where he was incarcerated. 

Assisting:  Several troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, and the Clay County Sheriff's Department. 

Arrested and Charges:  Charles Z. Atkinson, 38, Brazil, IN

• Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony

• Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Felony 6

• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (refusal), Class A Misdemeanor

• Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor

• Driving While Suspended (Prior), Class A Misdemeanor

• Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.