Fatal Crash Following Police Pursuit on Sherborne Boulevard in Fort Wayne

One person has died and another was seriously injured following a brief police pursuit that ended in a fiery crash early Friday morning in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. at the intersection of Sherborne Boulevard and Stafford Drive, located just west of Coliseum Boulevard. According to the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD), an officer initially observed a vehicle traveling at high speeds near Lake and Laverne Avenue. When the officer activated emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated in what appeared to be an attempt to evade police. After crossing State Boulevard, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which then collided with a tree. Emergency medical personnel quickly responded to the scene and transported both occupants to a nearby hospital. Tragically, one person was pronounced dead upon arrival, while the other sustained significant injuries. Authorities report that the vehicle caught fire after the collision, but confirmed that both occupants had already been removed from the vehicle when the fire started. At this time, police have not determined which of the two occupants was driving the vehicle. The crash remains under active investigation by Fort Wayne authorities.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Sherborne Boulevard and Stafford Drive where this fatal crash occurred is situated in a residential area of Fort Wayne, approximately half a mile west of the heavily-traveled Coliseum Boulevard corridor. This neighborhood features moderate traffic density with primarily local residents using these roads. State Boulevard, which the fleeing vehicle crossed before losing control, is a major east-west arterial road that connects multiple neighborhoods and commercial districts. The area transitions from commercial zones near Coliseum Boulevard to residential streets, creating a mixed traffic environment. This particular stretch of Sherborne Boulevard features a standard two-lane residential roadway with street lighting and several curves that can be hazardous when navigated at excessive speeds. The presence of mature trees along the street margins—one of which was struck in this incident—creates additional fixed obstacles that significantly increase collision severity when vehicles leave the roadway.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, survivors of deceased accident victims may be eligible to file wrongful death claims, while injured parties may pursue personal injury claims against responsible parties. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation can be reduced proportionally to the claimant's degree of fault, with recovery barred if found more than 51% responsible. The state imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing both personal injury and wrongful death claims, starting from the date of the accident or death. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and loss of companionship for surviving family members. Insurance considerations are complex in police pursuit cases, particularly regarding liability determination between drivers and potential third parties. The circumstances of police pursuits may invoke special legal considerations regarding departmental policies and procedures, potentially affecting liability determinations.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
• Parkview Regional Medical Center Trauma Center: (260) 266-1000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Traffic Safety Division: (317) 232-1233
• Fort Wayne Safe Streets Initiative: (260) 427-1219
• Allen County Highway Department: (260) 449-7369

Support Services:

• Victim Assistance Program of Allen County: (260) 449-7431
• Indiana Victims Compensation Fund: (800) 353-1484
• Northeastern Indiana Trauma Regional Advisory Council: (260) 435-7197

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title9
• Indiana State Police Highway Safety Program: in.gov/isp/3142.htm
• Allen County Prosecutor's Office: (260) 449-7641