Anderson, Ind. – A police chase that began in Alexandria ended in tragedy early Tuesday morning when a speeding truck crashed in Anderson, killing two people and critically injuring a third.
The incident began around 2:15 a.m. on August 5, when Alexandria police attempted to stop a pickup truck near the intersection of Washington Street and North Park Avenue. According to authorities, the driver refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit that stretched nearly 12 miles into Anderson.
The chase came to a violent end at the corner of West 17th and Jackson streets. Investigators say the southbound truck was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, striking a utility pole and colliding with two houses before overturning in the roadway.
Emergency responders pronounced one occupant dead at the scene. Two others were taken to area hospitals, where one later died from his injuries. The third person, in critical condition, was transferred to a hospital in Indianapolis.
The Madison County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 17-year-old Landon Shaffer and 20-year-old Preston Jett, both from Marion. The name of the injured survivor has not been released.
No pedestrians or bystanders were hurt in the crash.
Alexandria Police Assistant Chief Brian Holtzleiter said the Anderson Police Department was asked to handle the crash investigation “for transparency.”
Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the deadly pursuit.