Tragedy struck at the intersection of W Michigan Street and N Illinois Street Tuesday morning when 46-year-old Andrea Gibbs was fatally hit by a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. IMPD News reported that the incident occurred just before 8 a.m. Gibbs was found in the roadway with injuries indicative of a traffic collision and was pronounced deceased on site, her identity later confirmed by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
Help from the community played a critical role in tracking down the suspect, with several witnesses providing details about the vehicle involved. IMPD Crash Investigation detectives located the abandoned truck linked to the hit-and-run a short distance away. It was towed and processed for further evidence. Their investigation also included footage from nearby business security cameras and public safety cameras.
"My heart goes out to Ms. Gibbs' family and loved ones as they face this heartbreaking loss," said Chief Chris Bailey. "No family should have to go through this kind of pain," he added, according to the IMPD News post on Facebook.
Swift action followed the collection of evidence and testimonials. 33-year-old Jazz Drane became the primary suspect after a thorough assessment of the available insights, which included the abandoned truck and the compilation of video evidence. Drane was apprehended yesterday night, the day following the tragic incident. "I want to thank our officers and investigators for the long hours they put in identifying and arresting the suspect," Chief Bailey conveyed, showing gratitude for the commitment demonstrated towards achieving a sense of justice for the incident, as per the IMPD News.
Drane was located by IMPD Violent Crimes Unit detectives and IMPD K9 officers in the 4300 Block of Redfern Drive in Beech Grove, where he was taken into custody without incident. He was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, with the final charging decision resting in the hands of, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. Drane is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law as per the legal proceedings.
