An Indianapolis man is facing a long list of criminal charges after police say a routine early-morning patrol escalated into a dangerous high-speed chase involving reckless driving, alleged deception, drug possession, a firearm, and the disturbing act of throwing a pit bull puppy from a moving vehicle. The incident, detailed in court documents, unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, Jan. 11, and ended with the arrest of 27-year-old Charles Pulliam following a pursuit through city streets that reportedly reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
According to investigators, the events began around 3:30 a.m. at a BP gas station in the 4900 block of Madison Avenue. What initially appeared to be a routine registration check soon turned into a volatile encounter that placed officers, the public, and several animals in danger. Pulliam now faces charges that include unlawful carrying of a handgun, resisting law enforcement, identity deception, criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon, possession of marijuana, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Routine Traffic Check Turns Into Violent Encounter at Gas Station
Court records state that an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was conducting routine patrols when he noticed a running 2007 Honda Civic parked in front of the BP gas station. The officer performed a registration check on the vehicle, which revealed that the registered owner had an active warrant. Based on that information, the officer positioned his patrol car behind the Honda and activated his emergency lights.
When the officer approached the vehicle, he allegedly recognized the driver as Charles Pulliam and was aware that Pulliam himself had an active warrant. Inside the Honda, the officer reportedly observed an adult pit bull and two pit bull puppies in the back seat. The officer also noted the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, further raising suspicion. When asked to identify himself, Pulliam allegedly provided false information, repeatedly stating that his name was “Chris Hanson.”
According to court documents, the officer informed Pulliam that he knew he was lying and that he was aware of his true identity. At that point, police instructed Pulliam to exit the vehicle. Instead of complying, Pulliam allegedly shifted the Honda into reverse and accelerated rapidly. Court records state that the officer ordered him to stop, but Pulliam ignored the command.
The situation escalated quickly, with the officer reportedly forced to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle. As Pulliam continued reversing, his car collided with the police vehicle, causing minor damage to the front bumper. Despite the collision, Pulliam did not stop. Instead, police say he fled the scene, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit through Indianapolis streets.
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Following the collision at the gas station, Pulliam allegedly sped away, leading police on a high-speed chase that, according to court documents, reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Investigators say the pursuit created a serious risk to public safety, as Pulliam continued driving at excessive speeds through intersections and residential areas. During the chase, police allege that Pulliam committed one of the most troubling acts described in the case.
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At an intersection, Pulliam allegedly threw one of the pit bull puppies out of the driver-side window while the vehicle was still moving. The court documents do not specify the condition of the puppy immediately after it was thrown, but the act has drawn strong reactions due to its apparent cruelty and the danger posed to the animal.
The chase continued until Pulliam eventually stopped his vehicle in the 500 block of East Lincoln Street. After stopping, police say Pulliam exited the car and attempted to flee on foot, running toward a nearby residential area. Officers pursued him through the neighborhood as he tried to evade arrest. Court records indicate that Pulliam ultimately cornered himself between homes and a picket fence, leaving him with no escape route. At that point, officers were able to take him into custody without further incident.
Search of Vehicle Reveals Drugs, Firearm, and Additional Evidence
After Pulliam was arrested, police conducted a search of the Honda Civic. According to court documents, officers discovered approximately 1.5 grams of marijuana inside the vehicle, along with a glass pipe containing black residue and two digital scales. These items, police say, are commonly associated with drug use or distribution.
Pulliam allegedly told officers that everything found inside the vehicle belonged to him. During the search, police also recovered a handgun from inside the car. When questioned about the firearm, Pulliam reportedly claimed that he did not know how the gun ended up in the vehicle. However, court documents state that he acknowledged his fingerprints were “maybe” on the weapon, a statement investigators may use as part of their case.
Because Pulliam is accused of unlawfully carrying the handgun, the presence of the firearm has become a key component of the charges against him. Prosecutors allege that Pulliam’s actions during the chase, combined with the presence of a gun, constituted criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon. In addition to the drug and firearm-related evidence, the three pit bulls found in the vehicle were taken into custody by a representative from Indianapolis Animal Care Services.
The agency assumed responsibility for the adult dog and the two puppies, including the one allegedly thrown from the vehicle during the chase. Pulliam’s list of charges reflects the range of alleged offenses connected to the incident. In addition to unlawful carrying of a handgun and possession of marijuana, he is charged with resisting law enforcement, identity deception for allegedly lying about his name, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and leaving the scene of an accident related to the collision with the police vehicle at the gas station.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the high-speed chase and the risk it posed to officers and the public, but also because of the alleged treatment of the animals involved. Throwing a puppy from a moving car during a police pursuit has been cited as one of the most alarming details in the court documents, highlighting the broader dangers of reckless behavior during police chases.
As of now, Pulliam remains in custody as the legal process moves forward. Court proceedings will determine how prosecutors pursue the charges and what penalties he may face if convicted. The incident adds to ongoing discussions in Indianapolis and across the country about public safety, police pursuits, and accountability for actions that endanger lives, both human and animal. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case progresses through the court system.
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