At approximately 10:50 a.m. last Thursday, September 24, Dubois County Communications received word of a medical situation that had started at Perry County Memorial Clinic in Bristow. A male subject, later identified as 38-year-old John R. Carter of Birdseye, had allegedly reported injuries to the clinic. When medical personnel attempted to assist him, he became highly uncooperative, combative and acted erratically, and was possibly suicidal. Carter then fled the medical clinic and took off in a utility work truck at a high rate of speed.
Law enforcement received information that Carter was traveling north on SR 162 from Santa Claus. A Dubois County Sheriff deputy was able to intercept Carter’s vehicle near CR 700 S and SR 162, just north of Ferdinand. According to police, Carter was traveling over 90 miles per hour and failed to stop when the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop. A vehicle pursuit ensued northbound on SR 162, crossing over SR 64 and continuing north to Jasper at a high rate of speed. Multiple law enforcement officers became involved in the pursuit. Once entering Jasper city limits on 3rd Avenue near the Vincennes University Jasper Campus, Carter came to a sudden stop, exited his vehicle and allegedly began stabbing himself with a metal wire. Officers quickly subdued Carter, detaining him for his safety as well as for the safety of the officers. Carter, who police believe was under the influence of an unknown narcotic or drug, was transported to Memorial Hospital by EMS for his injuries.
The case is under investigation. No criminal charges have yet been filed. The Dubois County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens that all subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
