MUNCIE, Ind. — On Wednesday, the Delaware County Prosecutor formally charged 40-year-old Olivia LaRue with 14 charges stemming from a police chase and deadly crash in Muncie on January 24, 2024. The charges are:
- Resisting law enforcement resulting in death
- Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated resulting in death
- Driving while suspended resulting in death
- Operating a motor vehicle causing serious bodily injury
- Resisting law enforcement resulting in serious bodily injury
- Driving while suspended resulting in serious bodily injury
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Resisting law enforcement
- Unlawful carrying of a handgun
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Criminal recklessness
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to obey a traffic control device
- Reckless driving
Police were trying to arrest LaRue on several active warrants, including dealing cocaine, identity deception, and possession of a narcotic drug. LaRue was reportedly armed with a rifle and had allegedly threatened violence against police if they tried to arrest her.
Indiana State Police said the suspect car crashed into another car at the intersection of Main and Mulberry streets in downtown Muncie shortly after 12:30 p.m.
Investigators believe the suspect car was speeding when it ran a red light and crashed into the other car at the intersection, which caused the car that was hit to roll onto its roof.
Police said two people were inside the car that was hit. The 27-year-old driver of that car was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The passenger in that car, later identified as 30-year-old Javonta Jones, of Muncie, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the people in the car were brother and sister, and were on their way home at the time.
The prosecutor also reviewed the actions of the police involved in the chase. The prosecutor determined they did not commit any criminal acts and will not be charging them.
"When a police officer turns on the lights and sirens – pull over and stop, it is as simple as said," said Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman in a statement. "If you do not, you can fully expect the police will pursue you and take you into custody."