At the request of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police Peru Post Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating a pursuit that resulted in a fatality early Thursday morning.
According to reports, a preliminary investigation revealed that on Dec. 12, just after 5:30 a.m., a deputy with Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2014 Ford Fusion traveling southbound on US 31 near County Road 100 South for speeding and other traffic violations, but the vehicle reportedly failed to stop and continued southbound on US 31, which prompted a pursuit.
Reports state that the pursuit entered Hamilton County where it continued southbound on US 31, eventually passing 276th Street where the vehicle crossed the median for unknown reasons, entered the northbound lanes and veered into the ditch on the east side of the road. Authorities stated that the vehicle rolled over before coming to a rest.
One occupant reportedly fled eastbound into a nearby field while the other occupant surrendered to deputies and was taken into custody. Investigators stated that due to the severity of the injuries of the occupant who surrendered, they were transported to a local hospital where they remain.
Deputies reportedly utilized a Hamilton County K-9 Unit to track the second occupant who had fled, successfully locating the individual in the field where they appeared to have collapsed.
Reports stated that despite life-saving efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, and preliminary autopsy results indicate that the deceased died from injuries sustained during the crash. The identity of the deceased is expected to be released by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office once positive identification has been made and next-of-kind notifications have been completed.
Investigators stated that the case remains active and ongoing. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the appropriate prosecutor’s office for review and consideration of charges.
Detectives from the Indiana State Police Peru Post were assisted at the scene by the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and numerous fire department and EMS personnel.
