Indianapolis, IN (July 5, 2026) – A teen was taken into custody due to a crash involving an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department cruiser on the city’s near southeast side on Friday morning, July 3.
Deputies were dispatched just after 6 a.m. to the area of Palmer Street and Dawson Street near South Keystone Avenue and East Minnesota Street. According to officials, the IMPD cruiser collided with another vehicle driven by a teen. The driver then fled the scene on foot before later being apprehended by officers. Two additional juveniles were also inside the vehicle and were evaluated by medical personnel. The police confirmed the passengers are 13 and 15 years old.
Two IMPD officers were inside the cruiser at the time of the crash. One officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The circumstances leading up to the collision are actively being investigated by troopers.
Our thoughts are with those affected.
Why Crashes Involving Fleeing Drivers Require Careful Investigation
When a driver leaves the scene of a crash, it can complicate both emergency response and the investigation process. Officers must first ensure that all injured individuals receive medical care before focusing on locating the person who fled.
Investigators then work to piece together what happened using witness statements, vehicle damage, and available footage. Determining speed, direction of travel, and driver actions leading up to the crash is an important part of the process. In incidents involving juveniles, additional legal and procedural steps may also apply depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction.
