VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A man who police say shot at law enforcement while being pursued at high speeds throughout the city in a April 2020 police chase appeared in Vigo County Court Tuesday.

Jacob Tyler Rentauskas, 27, of Austin, Ind., appeared before Judge Michael J Lewis in Vigo County Superior Court VI Tuesday afternoon for a pre-trial hearing.

Court documents indicate that on April 21, 2020, Rentauskas was initially pulled over for a suspected DUI before driving away and beginning a chase that went from National Ave. (U.S. 40) in West Terre Haute through portions of Terre Haute before ending in a wreck at Deming Park.

Police said Rentauskas hit stop sticks placed by members of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office just before losing control and crashing at the park. But as the vehicle passed the deputies stationed near the stop sticks, Rentauskas reportedly fired multiple shots at the deputies.

“He said the truck was within about ten feet when the shots were fired. McGee reported hearing four shots. Upon processing the scene only three shell casings could be located. He later located a bullet hole in the front hubcap/rim area of his vehicle. Lt. S. Brown stated he had heard four shots and said he believed his car had been hit however was unable to locate any bullet holes.”

Probable Cause Affidavit filed in Vigo County Court

While police were unable to locate Rentauskas for arrest following a search of the area conducted by numerous agencies, he would be arrested days later. Rentauskas is being held on a bond of $100,000 with no 10% allowed.

Rentauskas faces the following charges;

  • Attempted murder
    • A level 1 felony
  • Burglary while armed with a deadly weapon
    • A level 2 felony
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
    • A level 4 felony
  • Criminal recklessness
    • A level 5 felony
  • Obstruction of justice
    • A level 6 felony
  • Auto theft
    • A level 6 felony
  • Theft
    • A level 6 felony
  • Resisting law enforcement using a vehicle
    • A level 6 felony
  • Resisting law enforcement
    • A class A misdemeanor
  • Theft
    • A class A misdemeanor

After appearing in court Tuesday, no changes were made to the court schedule. Rentauskas is scheduled for a jury trial at 1:00 p.m. on October 16.