Whitley County- A multi-county pursuit that began in Kosciusko County ended in in a fiery crash that took the life of a Whitley County K9.

This afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., the Plymouth Police Department put out a dispatch of an armed carjacking of a black 2016 Chrysler that occurred near the LifePlex gym near US30 and Pioneer Drive. Shortly thereafter an Indiana State Trooper saw the vehicle travelling eastbound on US30 near Foxfarm Road. Once other police officers arrived a high-risk stop was attempted near Meijer Drive on US30 in Kosciusko County. The Chrysler pulled to the side of the road and stopped and the passenger got out of the Chrysler but the driver sped off, continuing eastbound on US30.

The driver of the Chrysler continued eastbound on US30, refusing to stop while being chased by officers from several police departments with the pursuit eventually entering Whitley County. A Whitley County Deputy positioned his car, a 2019 Dodge Charger, in the intersection of US30 and CR 450 West and set up stop sticks in an attempt to stop the Chrysler from fleeing. The driver of the Chrysler attempted to avoid the stop sticks and collided broadside with the Whitley County Dodge Charger in the passenger side. The collision caused the Charger to go into westbound lanes if US30 and burst into flames. Officers were unable to get the K9 patrol dog out of the Charger and it died on scene.  The deputy was unharmed.

The driver of the Chrysler received minor injuries and is being treated at a local hospital.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of US30 remained closed for the investigation and removal of the vehicles.  US30 is expected to open at approximately 7:00 p.m.

This pursuit and crash involved officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Warsaw Police Department. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Pierceton Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department, and Indiana State Police.

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.