Staff Report

Christopher J. Solley-Mead (InkFreeNews file photo.)

ELKHART — More details have been released on a vehicle pursuit in Elkhart County involving a North Webster man.

Christopher J. Solley-Mead, 43, 8096 Pioneer Way, North Webster, is charged with resisting law enforcement and battery against a public safety official, both level 6 felonies; leaving the scene of an accident, a class B misdemeanor; and reckless driving, a class C misdemeanor.

At 10:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, an Elkhart Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an expired registration and loud exhaust. The driver, later identified as Solley-Mead, fled the scene. A pursuit occurred, with Solley-Mead disregarding a stop sign and speeding.

According to court documents, Solley-Mead also passed vehicles on the shoulder and passed into oncoming traffic. The pursuit entered St. Joseph County, with Solley-Mead failing to stop at a red light and reaching speeds of about 117 mph. The pursuit ended after Solley-Mead hit another vehicle head-on. The driver of the vehicle Solley-Mead hit was Bonnie L. Affolder, 79, Fort Wayne. Affolder complained of neck pain after the accident and was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.

After the accident, Solley-Mead attempted to flee the scene on foot but was stopped by law enforcement. However, Solley-Mead disregarded officers’ commands and resisted arrest multiple times. During this, Solley-Mead bit an officer’s left forearm. Two officers also injured their knees due to Solley-Mead resisting their commands multiple times. When asked why he resisted arrest, Solley-Mead allegedly said, “Because I’m stupid.”

Upon taking him into custody, officers discovered Solley-Mead had an active warrant for failure to appear for a theft conviction and also had a driving status of driving while suspended prior.

Solley-Mead has an initial hearing in Elkhart County at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14.