INDIANAPOLIS (June 8, 2015) – A suspect on the run from police caused a fatal crash on the southeast side of Indianapolis, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan police.
The crash happened around 8:15 a.m. in the area of S. State Avenue and Prospect Street. Police were pursuing a suspect after a theft at the Beech Grove Walmart store on Emerson Avenue. The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Matthew Edmonds. Beech Grove police went after the SUV and tried to pull it over. Edmond didn’t stop. Beech Grove police decided to call the chase off six minutes after it started. because of the possible risk to children at bus stops. IMPD made the same decision, citing the danger to school buses and children.
While police stopped actively pursuing the vehicle, the SUV continued at high speeds. Edmonds spotted an IMPD car and sped up, running a red light and striking a black truck at State and Prospect. The suspect got out of the vehicle and ran off; police later apprehended him. He was taken to Eskenazi Hospital.
Police said there were two adults and a child in the truck. Donna Niblock, 63, of Indianapolis, was the driver. She was taken to Eskenazi Hospital where she later died. LaDonna Rogers, 37, of Indianapolis was also taken to Eskenazi Hospital, and she is in serious condition. The 11-year-old child remains in critical condition at Riley Hospital.
A blue car parked near the intersection was also struck; the driver saw the crash happen and was treated and released at the scene.
One woman said the scene was terrifying.
“It was one big crumpled mess. It didn’t even look like the truck. The bed of the truck was laying on the other side of the pole,” said Malinda Carter.
Edmonds is was arrested for resisting law enforcement, theft, and driving while suspended with a prior conviction.
