Philip Andrew Biddle Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Allen County have released the name of the man who lost his life after being struck during a police pursuit in Fort Wayne. According to the coroner’s office, the pedestrian killed in the incident was identified as 62-year-old Philip Andrew Biddle, a longtime resident of the area. Officials confirmed his identity on Friday, one day after the tragic event.
The incident began early Thursday morning when a Fort Wayne police officer attempted to stop a driver northeast of the downtown area. The driver reportedly refused to pull over, prompting officers to begin a pursuit through nearby streets. As the chase continued, the suspect vehicle approached the intersection of Fourth Street and Spy Run Avenue. During this turn, the fleeing driver struck a pedestrian who happened to be in the area. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Biddle was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival due to severe injuries.
According to police, the driver did not stop following the collision. Instead, the vehicle is said to have sideswiped another car before the driver abandoned it and attempted to escape on foot. Officers said they observed the man discard an object in the grass while fleeing. Witnesses in the neighborhood assisted police by pointing out where the suspect had run. Eventually, officials tracked him to a nearby backyard, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Denzel Gordon. Authorities indicated that he now faces a wide range of charges connected to the pursuit and the fatal pedestrian collision. Among the accusations are reckless homicide, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and additional charges involving alleged unsafe or unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges reflect the seriousness of the incident and the multiple public safety risks posed during the pursuit.
The coroner’s office stated that Biddle died from multiple blunt force injuries consistent with being struck by a moving vehicle. In keeping with standard classification for fatal pedestrian collisions, the victim’s manner of death was ruled accidental, despite the many criminal charges the suspect faces in connection with the events leading up to the crash.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains active as they work to review body-camera footage, interview witnesses, and examine physical evidence collected along the pursuit route. They also highlighted the role community members played in helping officers locate the suspect quickly, noting that cooperation from bystanders often makes a significant difference in resolving cases involving fleeing individuals.
The crash led to temporary road closures in the area while investigators processed the scene and worked to piece together the timeline. Police are also reviewing pursuit protocols and response procedures, which is common after significant incidents involving injuries or loss of life.
Authorities have not released further information regarding the suspect’s motives or circumstances leading up to the attempted traffic stop. They noted that more details will become available as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Community members are being encouraged to keep the victim’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time. Officials did not release any personal information about the family out of respect for their privacy.
The case will continue to be handled by local investigators, and prosecutors will determine additional steps once all reports are completed. More updates will be provided when appropriate and once they can be shared publicly without interfering with the ongoing legal process.
