Man to serve 30-months for car theft

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GREENFIELD — A Martinsville man whose “white pride” tattoo became a key piece of evidence in his conviction for car theft and resisting law enforcement was ordered to serve a 30-month sentence.

Brandon Shockley, 31, was found guilty of two felony counts after a two-day trial last month in Hancock County Superior Court 2.

Prosecutors say Shockley stole a car from a home in Hendricks County and dumped it in Columbus, where he stole a second car. Police eventually caught up to him as he drove that stolen sport-utility vehicle down U.S. 52 near the Marion-Hancock County line.

Two police cars collided during the ensuing pursuit, injuring a civilian who was participating in a ride-along at the time of the incident, according to court documents.

The stolen SUV was ditched on the east side of Indianapolis after police broke off the pursuit. Investigators found Shockley’s cellphone inside.

Shockley was convicted on one Level 6 felony count of auto theft and one Level 6 felony count of resisting law enforcement.

A six-person jury heard evidence against Shockley in December. Testimony included statements from two Hendricks County residents who saw a man — later identified as Shockley — in and near their homes the day before the police chase in Hancock County. The man they saw was shirtless and had distinctive tattoos.

Judge Dan Marshall, who presided over the trial, ordered that Shockley display the tattoos to the jury. The witnesses said they recognized Shockley in the courtroom because of his many tattoos — including a distinctive “white pride” and skull tattoo on his back.

Shockley was sentenced Thursday morning. His sentence of 2½ years is the maximum time allotted for the Level 6 felonies of which he was convicted.