Indianapolis police say a suspected drunk driver who took off from a traffic stop Friday slammed into a crash on the city’s east side, killing a passenger and leaving at least one other person fighting for life. The front seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to investigators. IMPD has opened a criminal investigation into the wreck.
Officer Tries to Pull Car Over, Driver Takes Off
According to WISH-TV, IMPD officers attempted to stop a vehicle they believed was being driven by an impaired motorist. Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly fled, then later crashed, killing the front seat passenger. WISH-TV reports the passenger died at the scene and the driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police say the investigation into exactly what happened and why is ongoing.
What Charges Could Follow Under Indiana Law
If prosecutors decide that intoxication caused the death, Indiana law allows felony charges against drivers whose impairment leads to a fatal crash. Penalties depend on factors such as blood alcohol level, prior convictions and other circumstances surrounding the case. The state’s OWI statutes spell out how causing death or serious injury while intoxicated is classified and the possible sentencing ranges, and prosecutors typically weigh chemical test results and crash evidence when they decide on charges. You can see the applicable provisions in the Indiana Code on Justia.
How This Fits in Indy and Across the Country
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol impaired crashes account for roughly one third of all U.S. traffic deaths in recent years, a reminder that drunk driving remains one of the most stubbornly deadly problems on the road. Closer to home, Indianapolis has adopted a Vision Zero action plan that targets eliminating traffic deaths by 2035, using a mix of enforcement, street design changes and data driven strategies to reduce serious crashes. City leaders signed off on the plan and its task force earlier this year.
Police Want Witnesses and Video
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the crash or has cellphone video to get in touch with IMPD or Crime Stoppers, according to WISH-TV. Police say the case is very much active and that any tip, no matter how small it might seem, could help them piece together what led up to the fatal collision.
