What started as a simple turn-signal violation on Indianapolis' northwest side in early May spiraled into a rolling mess of a police chase, an overturned SUV, multiple arrests and the recovery of at least two loaded guns. Recent court filings show the pursuit wound through several neighborhoods before it finally came to a crunching halt on Guion Road.
According to WIBC, officers first spotted a red Jeep Compass near Lafayette Road and 46th Street on the evening of May 7 after the driver allegedly failed to use a turn signal. The outlet reports that when officers tried to remove the driver from the vehicle, he refused repeated commands, hit the gas and took off. Investigators say a small bag was tossed from the SUV during the chase and later recovered, reportedly containing marijuana.
How pursuit policy guides officer decisions
Department guidelines and court filings underline that vehicle pursuits are among the riskiest parts of police work and have to be balanced against public safety at every turn. A federal court filing that includes the text of IMPD's General Order 4.16 explains that officers and supervisors are instructed to weigh factors such as the seriousness of the suspected offense, traffic conditions and whether there are passengers in the vehicle when deciding whether to keep a pursuit going or call it off, per Justia.
Crash, guns recovered and arrests
The chase came to an abrupt end on Guion Road after state police used a maneuver to stop the Jeep, causing it to roll over. Authorities say all three people inside managed to walk away without injury and were taken into custody. A search of the flipped SUV turned up two loaded firearms, an Anderson Arms AM-15 rifle in the rear and a Glock 23 handgun in the back seat, along with the small bag of marijuana, according to the affidavit cited by WIBC.
Court documents identify the driver as 24-year-old Daequan Curothers, who has a prior robbery conviction and was reportedly wanted on an active armed-robbery warrant. He now faces additional charges that include resisting law enforcement and unlawful possession of a firearm.
What’s next
Prosecutors are expected to review the affidavit and related filings before deciding on formal charges in Marion County. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the chase to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
