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Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle End in Death of Teen
By: Sheila McCrea - Thursday, May 4, 2023

ASHLEY, IN - A pursuit of a stolen vehicle has ended with the death of a teenager.

According to the Ashley-Hudson Police Department, their officers were called just after 11 P.M. on April 19th to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the 100 South block of Harrison Avenue.

While approaching the vehicle it began to drive away, committing multiple traffic violations. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Wabash Ave, but the vehicle fled the traffic stop and led officers on a pursuit east on 800 South.

The pursuit reached speeds of 90 miles per hour before entering the town of Hamilton.

The vehicle reportedly turned around and travelled back west on 800 South. After crossing the intersection of Old 27 the vehicle turned north into a yard where it struck a tree and burst into flames.

Authorities say the driver was unable to be rescued due to the extreme heat. Officers then learned the vehicle had recently been stolen.

The death investigation was turned over to the Steuben County Coroner's Office. The Indiana State Police were called to conduct a crash reconstruction. The Steuben County Sheriff's Office was requested to review the actions of the pursuing officer to determine if there were any violations of policy or state law, that investigation is still pending.

DNA evidence was used to determine the driver was a 14 year old male who had recently run away from home. The DNA testing was completed on May 3 and the family was then notified.

Authorities did not release the name of the teen.

Ashley-Hudson officers were assisted by the Steuben and Dekalb County Sheriff's Departments, Hamilton Police Department, and the Angola City Police.



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