Driver that led police on chase faces up to 54 months in prison
WAPAKONETA — Benjamin Wiedenhoeft, 30, of Fort Wayne who led police on a lengthy chase Tuesday is no stranger to law enforcement.
Appearing Thursday in Auglaize County Municipal Court, he faces up to 54 months in prison for fleeing and eluding and receiving stolen property.
In a bond hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Ben Elder briefly reviewed Wiedenhoeft’s criminal history. Wiedenhoeft has encountered police in Texas, Florida and Arizona for charges like domestic violence, resisting arrest, battery with bodily fluids, and meth possession. He has active arrest warrants in Indiana for probation violation and theft charges.
Wiedenhoeft’s appearance in Auglaize County Municipal Court was delayed Wednesday as it was reported he was on sedatives; the arraignment was delayed to Thursday.
On Tuesday, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies chased Wiedenhoeft in connection to a possible theft and a stolen van; the pursuit originated in Allen County and crossed into Auglaize. Several properties were damaged by the suspect’s vehicle and further damage was done to the Auglaize County Fair
ground gates, highway fences, winter wheat fields and some minor damage to Sheriff’s cruisers.
Wiedenhoeft also threatened to shoot police during the chase and attempted to flee on foot after the van was disabled. Two deputies were injured while getting Wiedenhoeft in custody near General Aluminum.
Despite the circumstances, Wiedenhoeft asked for an own recognizance bond, which Judge Andrew Augsburger refused. Instead he was assigned a $500,000 bond due to the criminal history and flight risk.