COLUMBUS, Ind. – Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Ryan Smith was heading north on State Street on Friday just before 3 p.m. when he observed a southbound SUV being driven erratically. He reported the SUV going about 80 mph, swerving, and recklessly passing other vehicles. He activated his emergency lights and siren to catch up to the car.
As the deputy chased the SUV, it turned north on Marr Road and entered the Columbus East High School parking lot, stopping in front of the school. The driver, later identified as Samaya Ivory, exited the car and fled on foot. Smith said he gave the suspect several verbal commands to stop but she continued running and began pulling on several exterior doors. All were locked.
A Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer joined the foot pursuit and grabbed one of Ivory’s arms. However, she continued to resist. Deputy Smith also grabbed her and then all three fell to the ground. While on the ground, Deputy Smith allegedly felt Ivory pulling at his duty weapon until her arms were able to be secured. After more law enforcement arrived to assist, she was placed in handcuffs. During the physical altercation, the deputy suffered abrasions to both elbows and knees.
The suspect was taken to Columbus Regional Health and while there, she supposedly kicked another deputy in the chest while being evaluated. Ivory was medically cleared at the hospital and transported to Bartholomew County Jail.
She was arrested and booked for reckless driving, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting law enforcement with injury, and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. Ivory was also found to have been entered as a missing person through the Columbus Police Department.
She remains in custody on a 72-hour hold. This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Ivory-Courtesy-BCSO
