Two motorcyclists face multiple charges following an altercation with police near School Field that resulted in a South Bend Police officer sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 11, when officers were directing traffic on Eddy Street after a football game. As a large group of motorcyclists approached, officers attempted to stop traffic to ensure safety. However, the riders scattered, evading police attempts to gain control of the situation.
One motorcyclist reportedly drove directly toward an officer, prompting the officer to push the rider away to avoid being struck and to protect nearby pedestrians. During this encounter, 28-year-old Gabrielle Yeazel ran over the officer’s foot and attempted to escape by jumping onto the back of another motorcycle, urging the rider to “go, go, go.” Yeazel was eventually apprehended by police.
While Yeazel was being taken into custody, a male individual approached the motorcycle involved in the incident. When ordered to stop by police, he fled on foot. Officers deployed a taser, but it failed to incapacitate him, and he managed to escape on another motorcycle.
Shortly after, the St. Joseph County 911 center received a threatening call from 28-year-old Sean Miller, who expressed his anger over Yeazel’s arrest and vowed to kill the officer who had used the taser. Police later located Miller at a residence on the 1100 block of S. 26th Street, where he initially provided a false name. Although he admitted to fleeing from police, he claimed his threat was misunderstood. Miller was subsequently taken into custody.
Both Yeazel and Miller were transported to the St. Joseph County Jail. The injured officer was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries to his foot.
Following a review of the case facts and evidence, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Yeazel and Miller with several offenses:
Gabrielle Yeazel:
- Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Felony)
- Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)
Sean Miller:
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Felony)
- Intimidation (Felony)
- False Informing (Misdemeanor)
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as both individuals await their court appearances.
