Inform, Entertain, Inspire
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UPDATE: Elkhart P.D. Cleared In Pursuit That Ended In Suspect Driver's Death

Elkhart Police Dept. via Facebook

UPDATE:

ELKHART, Ind. (AP) — Prosecutors have cleared northern Indiana police in the June car crash death of a man who was fleeing from officers.

Elkhart County's prosecutor said Monday investigators determined that officers did not engage in reckless behavior by chasing 31-year-old Michael Mattox and that the Elkhart man had caused his own death while fleeing police at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Prosecutor Vicki Elaine Becker says she determined Mattox's death resulted directly from his impaired and reckless driving and refusal to stop for police.

Elkhart officers were dispatched on June 9 to help a screaming woman. A man later identified as Mattox was seen leaving the area in sport-utility vehicle, prompting the police pursuit that ended with Mattox's fatal crash.

ORIGINAL POST:

Elkhart Police just released this information about an early morning police pursuit:

On June 9, 2019 at 4:55 am officers were responding to a 911 call in the 2200 blk of Morehouse.
Officers were advised by the caller that they could hear a female screaming. As officers were arriving dispatch
advised that the suspect was leaving in a SUV. Officers observed the SUV and started to pursue the vehicle.
The vehicle disregards the railroad crossing arms at Main St/Middlebury St. The vehicle then collided
with a parked car before colliding with a landscape planter. The suspect vehicle struck the Post Office at 601 S
Main St. The driver of the vehicle was unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives from the Elkhart County Homicide Unit are currently working the case. Any further updates
will be issued by the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office.