Man gets 30 years in chase that led to Indiana officer death

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (AP) - A man who authorities say started a southern Indiana police chase that led to an officer's death has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Thirty-five-year-old Benjamin Eads of Freedom was given his punishment Friday in a Scott County courtroom after pleading guilty in February. The charges include auto theft and resisting law enforcement, which led to a death.

Authorities say Eads fled a traffic stop on Dec. 12 , triggering a police chase during which Charlestown Officer Benton Bertram's vehicle struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

State police say the 33-year-old Bertram was a Charlestown officer for nine years.