Earlier yetserday, a high-speed vehicle chase concluded in tragedy when a pedestrian was struck and declared dead at the scene in Fort Wayne. According to a statement released by the Fort Wayne Police Department's Public Information Officer, Chris Felton, the pursuit began at 6:02 am when a police officer tried to stop a vehicle near Lawton Place and Griswold Drive. The driver, however, failed to halt and began to dangerously speed through the streets. Fort Wayne Police Department reports that at around 6:08 am, on E. Fourth St., the fleeing car attempted to turn north onto Spy Run Ave and tragically hit a male pedestrian.
The chaos didn't end there; the suspect continued to recklessly circumnavigate the area, sideswiping another vehicle driven by an adult female who, fortunately, was unharmed. Police state that after a short distance, the male driver finally stopped his car and proceeded to desperately run on foot, during which he was observed to purposefully attempt to discard a handgun into the grass.
The area was soon swarmed by responders, as multiple witnesses called to report the fleeing suspect. The driver was eventually discovered hiding in a backyard in the 1400 block of Spy Run Ave, where he was taken into custody. The discarded weapon was also recovered. Meanwhile, the scene of the pedestrian collision remained closed for investigation, as indicated by the Fort Wayne Police Department.
The Allen County Coroner's Office is yet to release the identity of the deceased, along with details on the cause and manner of death. As the investigation continues, the suspect's identity and any charges he may face have yet to be disclosed.
