First responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, and medical professionals, are vital members of our community. They selflessly go to work each day and provide essential services that keep our communities a safer place. It's hard, exhausting work, and they sacrifice their time and lives in our time of need to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. There is a lot of information they have and want to share with the public, and that is what this community blog will be about: They are providing essential information to the public. Agencies involved include: Air Evac Lifeteam 39 Brazil Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department Brazil Police Department Center Point Volunteer Fire Department Clay County Sheriff's Office Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Indiana State Police - Putnamville District (If your agency would like to be involved, please call The Brazil Times at 812-446-2216.)

ISP: Troopers Car Rammed During a Traffic Stop Leading to a Pursuit

Posted Friday, April 22, 2022, at 2:43 PM

Troopers Car Rammed During a Traffic Stop Leading to a Pursuit

Putnam County - April 21, 2022, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Putnamville Trooper Colton Maynor was patrolling in Putnam County when he observed a red truck traveling 77 miles per hour on US 40. Trooper Maynor activated his emergency lights on his fully marked state police commission, to conduct a traffic stop near County Road 600 east. Once stopped, the driver attempted to exit the truck. Trooper Maynor ordered the driver to stay in the truck and to place their hands on the steering wheel. Upon Trooper Maynor’s approach, the driver placed the truck in reverse and accelerated, ramming into Trooper Maynor’s commission and pushing it into US 40. The truck then drove through a ditch, fleeing eastbound on US 40.

Trooper Maynor quickly returned to his commission and assessed the damage. Seeing that his commission was able to be driven, Trooper Maynor pursued the truck at a reduced speed, keeping it in his sight. Trooper David Cox, Jr., was in the immediate area and was able to catch up to the truck near US 40 and County Road 1000 East. Seeing that Trooper Cox, Jr., was closing in, the truck turned south off of US 40 onto County Road 1000 East and continued traveling on several county roads. The driver eventually lost control of the truck while attempting to turn from one county road to another, spinning out of control and into a ditch, disabling the truck. Troopers Maynor and Cox, Jr., then conducted a felony traffic stop and were able to take the suspect into custody without incident.

The suspect was positively identified as Matthew L. Renten, age 35, of Green Cove Springs, Florida. Further investigation by Trooper Maynor discovered that Renten displayed signs of impairment. He was provided the opportunity to submit to a certified chemical test and those results are currently pending through the Indiana Department of Toxicology. Upon being medically cleared at the Putnam County Hospital, Renten was arrested and taken to the Putnam County Jail where he is currently being held.

Arrested and Charges: Matthew L. Renten, 35, Green Cove Springs, FL

Resisting Law Enforcement, Felony 6
Reckless Driving, Class A Misdemeanor
Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Class B Misdemeanor

Photo: Matthew L. Renten

All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.