Indiana State Police Investigate Fatal Crash Following Police Chase in Fort Wayne

Indiana State Police Investigate Fatal Crash Following Police Chase in Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A 93-year-old woman has died following a crash on Monday afternoon on Fort Wayne’s north side, after a high-speed police chase involving a suspect fleeing from law enforcement, Indiana State Police confirmed today.

The incident began around 1:20 p.m. when officers with the Allen County Drug Task Force attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white 2004 Cadillac driven by 24-year-old Tyler Alberding of Fort Wayne. Instead of stopping, Alberding fled northbound on North Clinton Street, sparking a pursuit.

During the chase, the Cadillac collided with two vehicles at the intersection of North Clinton Street and Wallen Road. One of the vehicles, a silver 2016 Subaru, was driven by Carolyn Hutchinson, 93, of Fort Wayne. Hutchinson sustained critical injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Hutchinson’s family has been notified.

The second vehicle involved was a red 2015 Ford truck driven by Larry Zant, 80, also of Fort Wayne. Zant was seriously injured and hospitalized.

Following the crash, Alberding was taken into custody by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. He now faces multiple preliminary charges, including resisting law enforcement resulting in death or catastrophic injury, resisting law enforcement resulting in serious bodily injury, driving while suspended causing death or catastrophic injury, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and dealing in cocaine or narcotic drugs.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing as authorities work to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Indiana State Police or the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.