High-speed pursuit across county lines leads to felony charges for Mitchell man

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A routine traffic stop escalated into a high-speed pursuit that crossed county lines before ending with the arrest of Neil P. Tomson, a 53-year-old Mitchell resident, on multiple felony drug and resisting law enforcement charges. Tomson allegedly fled police, drove down a dead-end road, and then ran into a wooded area before being tackled and taken into custody.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when pursuing suspects who refuse to comply with lawful orders. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for effective policies to address drug-related crimes and driver's license violations.

The details

According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident began when an Indiana State Trooper observed Tomson's vehicle crossing the center line multiple times, prompting a traffic stop. Tomson initially slowed down but then accelerated away, leading to a 27-minute pursuit that crossed from Lawrence County into Martin County. The chase ended when Tomson abandoned his vehicle and fled into a wooded area, where he was eventually tackled and arrested. Investigators recovered a cigarette carton that Tomson allegedly discarded, which contained meth, hydrocodone pills, and marijuana.

• The incident began at approximately 6:07 p.m. on February 28, 2026.
• The pursuit lasted nearly 27 minutes, crossing from Lawrence County into Martin County.

What’s next

Tomson is facing charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of meth, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and operating a vehicle while never licensed. He was also wanted on three active warrants out of Martin and Lawrence counties at the time of his arrest.