Two North Vernon residents were arrested after a crash turned into a police chase.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department says that the incident began at around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday when deputies responded to a report of a crash on State Road 7 South near the Jefferson/Jennings County line. Authorities say that one of the vehicles involved fled north, with the other vehicle in pursuit and its occupants giving updated locations to Jennings County Dispatch.

Deputy Doug Brown was able to locate the minivan and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. He says that the driver refused to stop and the vehicle continued northbound on State Road 7 before turning east onto County Road 150 South at speeds reaching 65 mph. Authorities say the vehicle then turned north onto County Road 600 East and then back East onto County Road 50 South with several deputies in pursuit. The vehicle then pulled into a long driveway, where Deputy Brown tried to get in front of the vehicle and the driver responded by allegedly trying to ram into the officer’s vehicle.

Authorities say the driver, 21-year-old Demitrus L. Ewing, eventually surrendered to deputies. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately three grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies and syringes. While questioning Ewing about why he fled, Ewing reportedly told deputies “Because I don’t have a license, and I figured I would make your job worth it.”

Ewing is facing the following preliminary charges:
Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony;
Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony;
Possession of Controlled Substance – Level 6 Felony;
Driving While Suspended Prior – Class A Misdemeanor;
Leaving the Scene of the Property Damage Accident – Class B Misdemeanor

A passenger in the minivan, 20-year-old Tara L. Sluder was also arrested. Authorities say that she is facing the following preliminary charges:
Possession of Control Substance – Level 6 Felony;
Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony

The investigation is ongoing.