Tipton County, IN – At the request of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police Peru Post Criminal Investigation Division is investigating a pursuit that resulted in a fatality early this morning.
A preliminary investigation revealed that on December 12, 2024, just after 5:30 a.m., a deputy with the Tipton County 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. The vehicle failed to stop and continued southbound on US 31, prompting a pursuit.
The pursuit entered Hamilton County, continuing southbound on US 31. Shortly after passing 276th Street, the vehicle crossed the median for unknown reasons, entered the northbound lanes, and veered into the ditch on the east side of the road. The vehicle rolled over before coming to a stop.
Once the vehicle came to rest, one occupant fled eastbound into a nearby field, while the other occupant surrendered to deputies and was taken into custody. Due to the severity of that occupant’s injuries, they were transported to a local hospital, where they remain.
Deputies then utilized a Hamilton County K-9 unit to track the second occupant who had fled. The K-9 successfully located the individual in the field, where they appeared to have collapsed.
Despite life-saving efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary autopsy results indicate that the deceased died from injuries sustained during the crash. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office once positive identification has been made and next-of-kin notifications have been completed.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. The information provided is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues. 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.
