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Speeder charged with reckless driving

After an officer paced a vehicle going 100 mph on SR 67 north of Worthington, the driver was arrested for reckless driving.

Dustin Shane Freeman

Dustin Shane Freeman, 24, Spencer, was arrested by Chief Jacob Gambill of the Worthington Police Department on Tuesday, February 7.

Officer Gambill was parked and running radar on State Road 67 north of Worthington in the area of County Road 990 N where the posted speed limit is 55 mph. When he saw a small passenger car headed south on SR 67 at a higher speed than normal traffic, he activated his radar which showed the vehicle was traveling 74 mph so he turned his lights and siren on to initiate a traffic stop.

As he tried to catch up, the vehicle appeared to still be accelerating and when he caught up north of Baseline Road, he paced the vehicle at 100 mph. Despite his lights and siren on, the vehicle continued south without stopping. It was a little over a mile before the vehicle finally stopped and pulled over.

It was a 2004 Honda Accord and Officer Gambill performed a high-risk traffic stop in front of The View concert venue on SR 67. The driver was called out of his vehicle and secured until an additional officer could arrive to assist. A passenger was then called out and detained.

Freeman was identified as the driver who asked what was going on. Officer Gambill explained that he had been trying to stop him and the reason was for speeding. Freeman said he had no idea the officer was behind him until he pulled over. Freeman allegedly acknowledged he was probably speeding.

Freeman was transported to the Greene County Jail where he was booked in around 3:50 PM. His bond was set at $500 surety with 10% cash allowed. He posted $50 and was released later the same day.

In a probable cause affidavit prepared by Officer Gambill, he noted that Freeman was respectful and cooperative during the entire encounter and with all officers and jail staff.

Freeman retained Defense Attorney Guy Haskell from Bloomington to represent him and the defense waived the initial hearing.

Freeman has been charged with reckless driving at unreasonable speed that endangers safety, a Class C misdemeanor.