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CARMEL, Ind. (Hoosier Enquirer) — A dramatic police pursuit unfolded Friday night in Carmel, Indiana, culminating in a crash at a roundabout and the arrest of a wanted suspect. The chase, which saw speeds soar between 80 and 90 mph, began in Indianapolis and ended when the suspect’s SUV collided with a light pole.
According to Capt. Rob Rider of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the incident began shortly after 7:50 p.m. at a gas station located at West 86th Street and Ditch Road. An IMPD officer, while refueling his vehicle, spotted a man known to be wanted for a Level 4 felony. The officer confirmed the suspect’s status via the computer-aided dispatch system and attempted a traffic stop as the man, driving an SUV, left the station. However, the suspect refused to comply, sparking a high-speed chase.
The pursuit wound through the streets of Indianapolis before crossing into Carmel. The suspect’s reckless driving came to an abrupt halt just before 8:15 p.m. at the roundabout on West 116th Street and Westfield Boulevard. “He was going too fast to navigate the roundabout,” Rider explained. The SUV struck a light pole, bringing the chase to a crashing end.
Following the collision, the driver fled the scene on foot, but his escape was short-lived. Officers quickly apprehended him nearby. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in the incident, though a surprising discovery was made at the crash site: an infant was found inside the SUV. The child was promptly transported to a hospital for a precautionary evaluation. Details about the infant’s condition or relationship to the suspect were not immediately released.
Capt. Rider emphasized that IMPD officers may take calculated risks in pursuits involving dangerous individuals. “When you’re dealing with such a violent subject, and the chances of serious injury to the public are lower, we’ll push a little harder to get them off the streets,” he said. The suspect’s Level 4 felony charge suggests a serious offense, though specific details about his criminal history were not disclosed at the time of the report.
The crash and subsequent arrest caused temporary disruptions in the area, but authorities worked swiftly to secure the scene and clear the wreckage. The roundabout, a hallmark of Carmel’s traffic design, has been praised for reducing accidents, though it proved no match for the suspect’s high-speed maneuvering.
IMPD has not yet released the suspect’s identity or additional information about the felony warrant, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities are expected to provide updates as the case progresses.
This incident underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when balancing public safety with the apprehension of dangerous suspects. For now, Carmel residents can breathe a sigh of relief that the chase ended without serious harm—and that the infant involved is receiving care.
Further details were not immediately available at the time of publication.