Indiana Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Marijuana following a High-Speed Pursuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Hammond, In., man has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in Daviess County, Missouri.

Nickolas J Burch, 36, was charged and had his initial appearance yesterday in a two-count criminal complaint. Burch was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2025, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper was conducting routine patrol on I-35 northbound in Daviess County. He observed a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) overtaking his vehicle from the rear at 103 miles per hour. After the MSHP Trooper attempted to stop the SUV, it attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, ultimately reaching 128 miles per hour before crashing into a field.

Immediately after the crash the driver, later identified as Burch, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, carrying a red duffle bag over his shoulder.  After a foot pursuit and resistance by Burch, law enforcement was ultimately able to take Burch into custody.

A red duffle bag was recovered from the field, which was dropped by Burch during the pursuit. and searched. Law enforcement located $205,950 in United States Currency.

A second duffel bag was in the second row of the SUV which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine and 18 pounds of marijuana.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Daviess County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.