Vehicle pursuit leads to crash, 4 hospitalized

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne police are investigating a vehicle pursuit that started with a reckless driver and ended downtown after the driver struck another vehicle head-on.

Police said the initial pursuit started a little after 3 a.m. when the driver of a car was driving recklessly on West Jefferson Boulevard near Park West. The driver went for several miles evading police, at times passing through neighborhoods and side streets.

As the pursuit neared downtown, officers attempted to lay stop sticks on Broadway just south of Main Street. Police said the driver missed those sticks and turned east on Main Street.

The driver then approached Maiden Lane when he crossed the center line and struck a westbound Jeep head-on, according to police.

Three occupants in the Jeep were taken to the hospital, none of their injuries were considered life-threatening, according to police.

The driver was also transported to a hospital with non life-threatening injures.

FWPD Command Staff said it appeared the driver may have attempted to hit police cars during the pursuit.

Police said alcohol may have been a factor in the pursuit and subsequent crash.

Officers did not say what charges, if any, the driver might face.

Police did not identify anyone involved.

The incident remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Prosecutor's Office.