Muncie PD: Man high on cocaine nearly hit pedestrians while speeding through popular area

MUNCIE, Ind. — A man who allegedly admitted to being high on cocaine nearly ran over multiple pedestrians while speeding through a highly foot-trafficked area in Muncie early Sunday.

Patrick Pacheco, 27, of Muncie was arrested at gunpoint near Riverside Cafe just before 4 a.m. after crashing his Ford Mustang and fleeing on foot — kicking off a short-lived manhunt.

According to court documents, prior to police officers arriving on scene, witnesses spotted Pacheco’s black Ford Mustang driving recklessly near Martin Street and University Avenue. Pacheco struck a building with his Mustang near the Hot Box Pizza, reports reveal, tearing a chunk out of the building and leaving the vehicle with heavy front-end damage.

As the first police officer arrived on scene, he noted hearing a loud engine revving followed by the squeals of a vehicle burning out. This is when the officer spotted Pacheco’s damaged Mustang racing past.

The Muncie police officer said Pacheco nearly struck his patrol vehicle while he sped past. Pacheco also reportedly drove over a sidewalk occupied by multiple pedestrians and ran a stop sign.

Police noted the area was highly populated, despite it being 3:30 a.m., due to numerous college bars and late-night popular restuarants being in this area of Muncie. This put several lives at risk as Pacheco’s Mustang allegedly sped across the sidewalk, ran stop signs and sped down city streets.

Officers pursued Pacheco, who allegedly was driving without his headlights on while traveling at a high rate of speed. Pacheco eventually fishtailed his Mustang on Martin Street and knocked over a street light. His vehicle came to a full stop after crashing into a tree.

According to court documents, officers drew their guns and ordered the driver out of the Mustang. But they soon found the vehicle empty, Pacheco having bailed and fled on food — leaving behind his shoes.

Numerous Muncie police officers and county deputies began searching on foot for Pacheco using a K9 to track the suspect. He was apprehended just before 4 a.m. near the Riverside Cafe on Kilgore Avenue and held at gunpoint by officers.

Police noted Pacheco had injuries from the car crash and wasn’t wearing shoes when he was detained.

According to court documents, Pacheco admitted to using cocaine and drinking alcohol. He denied being the driver of the crashed Ford Mustang despite the vehicle being registered under his name.

Pacheco is being held in Delaware County Jail on numerous preliminary charges including resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering others, criminal mischief by causing property damage, leaving the scene of the crash, and reckless driving.

The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office will determine what, if any, charges will ultimately be filed in this incident.