For The Tribune

An Indiana State trooper was slightly injured in a crash after the pursuit of a Brownstown man in Bartholomew County.

Indiana State Trooper Matt Powell attempted to stop a maroon 1997 Nissan SUV near Third and Franklin streets in Columbus at 9 p.m. Tuesday, said Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, state police spokesman.

The driver, William D. Decker, 20, 915 Stephanie Drive, Brownstown, fled in his vehicle, leading Powell on a chase that lasted about 10 minutes before it ended at County Road 325W and County Road 200N, when the two vehicles were involved in a minor crash, Wheeles said.

Decker attempted to flee on foot before being arrested, Wheeles said. During the arrest, Decker and Powell sustained more minor injuries in addition to those from the crash, Wheeles said.

Decker and Powell were checked at Columbus Regional Hospital after the incident.

Decker was arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of a stolen handgun, possession of a hypodermic syringe and driving while suspended with a prior conviction, Wheeles said.

He is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $32,500 bond.

Powell was assisted by other Indiana State troopers, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.