Man plummets nearly 40 feet in airport chase

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A police pursuit that started in Plainfield ended with a man jumping off an Indianapolis International Airport ramp Thursday afternoon.

Police said they pulled over 44-year-old Richard Stedman of Indianapolis at Simmons and Main Street for not wearing his seatbelt. During the stop, officers felt Stedman and two passengers riding in the car were acting strange, so they got the passengers out of the car. When officers went back for Stedman, he sped off.

Stedman drove onto I-70 and then onto the airport departures ramp. Police said he bailed out of his car after crashing it on the ramp. He then jumped over a nearby railing and fell nearly 40 feet. Note: An initial estimate from officers had Stedman falling 90 feet. This has since been corrected.

Stedman was taken to Wishard Hospital with very serious injuries. He has outstanding warrants for burglary, theft and receiving stolen property in Marion County. He also has a suspended driver's license.

The airport said flights were not affected by the chase.

Stedman is facing charges of resisting arrest and driving without a license stemming from Thursday's incident. He's previously been busted for battery, DUI and drugs.