Dewuan L. Hampton Obituary, Death – A tragic police pursuit that spanned multiple counties in Indiana ended in a deadly crash on the east side of Indianapolis, leaving one man dead and several others injured. Authorities confirmed that the chase, which began in New Castle, resulted in a violent three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Washington Street and Mitthoeffer Road.
The man who died in the crash was identified as 33-year-old Dewuan L. Hampton. The Marion County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a result of a “motor vehicle accident/police pursuit.” Hampton was driving a maroon Dodge Durango that led law enforcement officers on a 41-mile chase across three counties before the pursuit ended in the fatal wreck.
According to Indiana State Police, the incident began around 9:15 p.m. on Monday, when deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over the Durango on State Road 3 near Indiana Avenue in New Castle. Rather than complying, Hampton reportedly sped away, prompting a pursuit that soon escalated. The chase continued westbound along Interstate 70, passing through Hancock County before reaching Marion County, with multiple law enforcement agencies joining the pursuit along the way.
The Durango exited the interstate onto Post Road, navigating through several streets before eventually heading south on Mitthoeffer Road. At the high-speed intersection of Washington Street and Mitthoeffer Road, the vehicle ran into a blue Ford Mustang and then struck a white BMW. The impact caused the Durango to overturn multiple times before coming to a rest upside down just south of the intersection.
Hampton was ejected from the SUV during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not indicate whether he was wearing a seatbelt at the time. Three additional occupants inside the Durango were also injured and transported to nearby hospitals. Two of those individuals remained hospitalized as of Monday morning, but their identities and conditions were not released by officials.
The driver of the Mustang, who has not been publicly named, sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a local hospital. Meanwhile, the driver of the BMW suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene before being released.
Investigators at the scene discovered multiple firearms that had apparently been thrown from the Durango during the crash. Indiana State Police have stated that the circumstances of the pursuit and subsequent collision remain under investigation. As of now, it remains unclear what prompted the initial attempted traffic stop that set off the chase. Authorities have also not confirmed whether the occupants of the Durango are facing any charges, although no arrests have been made as of the latest update.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the pursuit included the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and Indiana State Police, among others. The incident has raised questions about the use of high-speed pursuits and the protocols followed during such situations. Officials have not yet provided a timeline for when more details might be released.
The crash site, located at a busy intersection in Indianapolis, was closed for several hours Monday night as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and begin their investigation. The scene was described by first responders as chaotic, with overturned vehicles and debris strewn across the road. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the crash and seeing emergency responders arrive quickly afterward.
The presence of firearms in the Durango has added another layer of complexity to the case. Investigators are working to determine whether the weapons were legally owned or if they played any role in the events leading up to the crash. Ballistics tests and background checks on the firearms are likely to be part of the ongoing investigation.
As for the two hospitalized occupants, their involvement and potential criminal liability remain uncertain. Police have not released details on their roles during the pursuit or whether they might face charges once released from medical care.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with police pursuits, particularly when they extend over long distances and involve high speeds through populated areas. With one life lost, several injuries, and unanswered questions, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the pursuit or crash to contact Indiana State Police with information.
In a statement following the crash, officials expressed condolences to Hampton’s family and emphasized the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation. “We are committed to understanding every aspect of this incident,” said an ISP spokesperson. “Our priority is to gather the facts and ensure that all actions taken during the pursuit are reviewed in accordance with departmental policy.”
As of now, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of a high-speed chase that ended in tragedy, while authorities continue their investigation into what led to the deadly series of events.