Last Updated 5 days by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The man killed in a police chase late Tuesday night has been identified as 33-year-old Dewuan Hampton.

Police aren’t sure if he was driving or if he was a passenger in the car. They say the crash resulted from excessive speeding during a chase across multiple counties.

News 8 first reported on the crash Tuesday night.

The crash scene was located on East Washington Street and Mitthoefer Road. One car was flipped upside down, and debris was scattered. The police pursuit began two counties away, with the vehicle driving erratically on State Road 3 in New Castle.

“At about 9:15 p.m., a Henry County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull over a maroon Dodge Durango on State Road 3 in New Castle. The vehicle fled from the officer onto I-70 and came west through Hancock County into Indianapolis. They exited Post Road and went north,” said Sgt. John Perrine, public information officer for Indiana State Police.

The Henry County deputy was called off the chase, but a state trooper picked it up on I-70. Perrine says the chase continued on I-70, wound through city streets, and eventually headed south. State police also called off the chase; minutes later, the car crashed.

“At any moment, when safety concerns are escalated for whatever reason, whether it be a populated area, extreme speeds, or reckless driving, that pursuit can be terminated in that moment,” says Sgt. Perrine.

State police say Hampton was ejected from the SUV on impact and died at the scene. Three other people in the SUV were taken to the hospital, but there have been no updates on their conditions. Two other drivers involved in the crash suffered minor injuries. State police say that among the debris were multiple weapons.

“We know that we recovered several firearms, ammunition, and magazines that flew out of the vehicle when it was rolling. We have yet to search inside the car and see what else might be there,” Perrine said.

The intersection of Washington Street and Mitthoefer Road remained closed for more than four hours so investigators could gather information.

“I think it comes down to if there are police lights behind you, pull over. We don’t want to endanger anyone, but we also recognize that laws without consequences are merely suggestions. We must ensure that those who break laws are held accountable for their actions,” Perrine said.

News releases

“HENRY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

“OFFICIAL STATEMENT

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“April 15, 2025

“Statement Regarding April 14 Vehicle Pursuit

“On April 14, 2025, at approximately 9:05 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff observed a vehicle driving erratically on State Road 3 near Indiana Avenue in New Castle. When an attempt was made to stop the vehicle, it fled, and a pursuit was initiated.

“The pursuit continued westbound on Interstate 70 and was terminated by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of the Sheriff, in Hancock County. This decision was made in accordance with departmental policy and in the interest of public safety.

“Following the termination, one Henry County deputy remained in the general vicinity, traveling westbound toward the area where tire deflation devices had been deployed by another agency. The deputy monitored radio traffic as the pursuit transitioned into the Indianapolis area. Aware that other agencies were continuing the pursuit, the deputy followed at a distance in a support role out of concern for officer safety and to maintain situational awareness.

“At one point, the deputy briefly observed a single Indiana State Police trooper actively pursuing the suspect vehicle and fell in behind him. However, he soon lost sight of both the trooper and the suspect vehicle. A short time later, while traveling southbound on Mitthoeffer Road near Washington Street, the deputy came upon the scene of a crash involving the suspect vehicle.

“The Indiana State Police is handling the crash investigation. Any further information will be released by their agency.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to responsible policing, transparency, and the safety of the public we serve.”

C’hief Deputy, Josh Smith, Henry County Sheriff’s Office

“Indianapolis, IN – Indiana State Police Detectives are investigating a multi-county police pursuit, the fleeing vehicle eventually crashed at Mitthoefer Road and Washington Street in Indianapolis. 

“At approximately 9:15 p.m., April 14, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a maroon Dodge Durango on SR 3 near Indiana Avenue in New Castle. The driver of the Durango sped away, leading police on a chase that entered I-70 westbound, through Hancock County and into Marion County. The Durango exited I-70 at Post Road northbound, eventually coming back south to the intersection of Washington Street and Mitthoefer Road. The Durango was southbound on Mitthoeffer and entered the intersection at a high speed, struck a blue Ford Mustang, then a white BMW. The Durango flipped multiple times coming to rest upside down south of the intersection. An adult male was ejected from the Durango and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Three other occupants of the Durango were transported to area hospitals. The driver of the Mustang was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injures and was treated and released. Several firearms were located at the scene and were believed to have fallen out of the Durango during the crash. 

“The circumstances of the pursuit and subsequent crash are currently under investigation. The information above is preliminary. There were multiple police agencies involved in this pursuit and investigators are working to determine each aspect of this incident. 

“At this time no arrests have been made, two of the people in the Durango remain hospitalized. The intersection of Washington and Mitthoefer was closed for more than 4 hours.

“Once more information is available, we will update this release.” 

Indiana State Police, Indianapolis District