MONROE COUNTY — Just before 5:00 a.m. Sunday, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department arrested Xavier Johnson, guard for Indiana University basketball.
According to Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain, shortly after 3:00 a.m. Sunday a Sheriff’s Deputy used radar to see that a Dodge Charger was traveling at 90 mph on North Walnut Street, what police said is a main thoroughfare through downtown Bloomington.
The deputy attempted to stop the car, but the driver continued down the street. The car, police said, then allegedly drove into an apartment complex and ran a stop sign during the continued flight.
The car eventually stopped and the deputy said he saw the driver, identified as Xavier Johnson, exit the vehicle and change seats with an occupant. Bloomington Police then arrived and assisted in taking three occupants into custody.
IU basketball player Parker Stewart was among the occupants, police said, and IU student Lee Marrioti was the occupant who switched places with Johnson. Police said this was to give the impression that Marrioti was the driver during the pursuit rather than Johnson.
Johnson was booked into the Monroe County Correction Center and charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a vehicle, a felony, as well as Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor. He was released from jail on a $2,000 surety bond and a $500 cash bond, police said.
In addition, Marrioti was charged with false informing for making the statement that he was the driver during the flight from police. He has also since been released from jail.
The third occupant, Stewart, was not charged. Police said he declined to provide a statement on whom was driving the car during the pursuit.
IU Athletics provided the following statement:
“Indiana University Athletics and the men’s basketball program are aware of the charges involving Xavier Johnson. IU Athletics will continue to gather facts, cooperate with and monitor the legal process, and take further action as the evolving situation warrants.”
Statement from IU Athletics
This is an ongoing investigation. We will update as we gather more information.
