ISP Assists French Lick Police in Arresting Two Following Report of Stolen Vehicle

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Orange County Dispatch advised law enforcement of a stolen white 2007 Hummer that had been taken from French Lick Auto Sales.

Shortly after receiving the information, Master Trooper Patrick Stinson located the stolen vehicle traveling on State Road 145 near French Lick. Trooper Stinson attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, leading officers on a brief pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and the driver, later identified as Johnathon F. Smedley, fled on foot into a wooded area.

The passenger, identified as Tyler W. Cox, exited the vehicle and confronted Trooper Stinson. During the encounter, Trooper Stinson deployed his Electronic Control Device (Taser), and Cox was taken into custody without further incident. Cox was transported to IU Health Paoli Hospital for medical clearance before being lodged at the Orange County Jail.

Officers conducted an extensive search for Smedley but were initially unable to locate him.

At approximately 7:21 p.m., Trooper Blake Leary was patrolling State Road 145 when he observed a male matching Smedley’s description walking along the roadway. Trooper Leary identified the individual as Smedley and took him into custody without incident. Smedley was transported to the Orange County Jail. Smedley and Cox are being held on bond.

As a result of the investigation, the following preliminary charges have been filed:

Johnathon F. Smedley, 33, French Lick, IN
  1. Vehicle Theft – Level 6 Felony
  2. Theft – Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
  4. Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
  5. Driving While Suspended (Prior) – Class A Misdemeanor

Tyler W. Cox, 42, French Lick, IN
  1. Vehicle Theft – Level 6 Felony
  2. Theft – Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Public Intoxication – Class B Misdemeanor

Master Trooper Patrick Stinson, Trooper Blake Leary, and French Lick Assistant Chief Brian Shipman made the arrests.

Assisting in the investigation were Lieutenant Brock Werne, Sergeant Robert Lambert, Trooper Andrew Recker, Trooper Austin Collins, Trooper Jack Fischer, Trooper Elijah Mundy, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the French Lick Police Department, and the Paoli Police Department.

The French Lick Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation.