Smithville man accused after officer injured during Batesville foot chase

A Smithville man is facing a felony charge after authorities said a Batesville police officer suffered a serious knee injury during a foot pursuit earlier this month.

According to a probable cause affidavit, 28-year-old Jordan Kenneth Keehn was arrested on May 23, 2026, and charged with fleeing on foot causing serious physical injury, a Class D felony. Court records state Keehn is also being charged as a habitual offender because of four or more prior felony convictions.

Police said Officer Samuel Stone spotted Keehn on May 19 at the Peco parking lot on Lawrence Street and recognized him as having active felony warrants from Independence and Lawrence counties, including a theft-of-a-firearm charge.

Authorities said Keehn fled on foot when Stone attempted to make contact. During the pursuit, Stone deployed a Taser, which police said struck Keehn in the back and arm as he jumped a fence. Investigators said Keehn removed the Taser barb from his shoulder and continued fleeing toward Southerland Road before escaping.

According to the affidavit, Patrolman Bladen Croslin injured his left knee while jumping the fence to continue the chase. Croslin was later treated at White River Medical Center, where a physician diagnosed a knee sprain with fluid buildup and possible soft-tissue injury. He was placed in a knee immobilizer, given crutches, and ordered not to bear weight on the leg pending an orthopedic evaluation.

Police said Croslin has been unable to work since the incident.

Keehn’s bond was set at $50,000. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 14.

Jordan Kenneth Keehn (Imaage via Independence County Sheriff’s Office