Sheriff weighs in on Indiana-Kentucky pursuit involving stolen police cruiser

WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT) — Several law enforcement agencies responded to a chase where the suspect was accused of attacking an officer with a sword and stealing a police cruiser. The Warrick County Sheriff weighs in on the “chaotic scene.”

Sheriff Mike Wilder says it may only happen once-in-a-career — a suspect stealing a police cruiser.

“I have seen bizarre things in my career but this was very chaotic. The scene kind of is,” says Sheriff Wilder. “Anytime you are trying to chase a police car, that can become very confusing at times.”

It happened on Monday morning in Chandler where officials say Nina Devillez stole the officer’s SUV during a traffic stop. Wilder says the doors were likely unlocked at the time — which he says is normal for traffic stops.

“There is a lot of reasons why you would leave it unlocked for safety,” says Wilder. “As you are trying to retreat to your own vehicle for safety and things.”

He says it can save an officer’s life if the traffic stop goes south. Which is what Wilder says happened. Video shows the suspect charging the officer with a sword. The officer tried to use a stun gun and after that did not work, the officer shot the suspect who jumped in the police cruiser and drove off.

The suspect then had access to law enforcement tools and could hear everything police were saying.

Devillez was taken into custody after a foot chase outside of Owensboro — bleeding heavily from gunshot wounds. They will face charges once released from the hospital.

Indiana State Police says the officers involved in the incident was placed on administrative leave. ISP is also seeking the public’s assistance in the case by submitting pictures or videos of the chase.

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