PLAINFIELD, Ind. — Two people were killed when a Plainfield police officer crashed into their vehicle during a pursuit Friday evening.
Officers responded to a report of a person down at a Long John Silver's restaurant in Plainfield around 5:45 p.m. Aug. 30, according to a Plainfield police spokesperson. During that investigation, an officer was reportedly involved in an altercation with a person at the restaurant.
That person then got into a white Kia and fled the scene, police said. The officer pursued the vehicle onto U.S. 40, resulting in a brief chase.
The suspect vehicle crossed through the intersection at Smith Road, but when the officer followed, their cruiser collided with a gray Ford that was in the intersection.
Both occupants of the Ford were killed in the crash. On Saturday, the coroner identified the victims as 78-year-old Barbara Williams and 79-year-old Bennie Williams. Family told 13News the couple had lived in Clayton, Indiana, for decades.
The officer was taken to the hospital in what police described as "stable" condition. Police said the officer was released from the hospital Friday evening with what was described as "minor injuries."
The driver of the Kia left the scene. That vehicle was later found but was unoccupied, and police are still searching for the suspect. There is no description of that suspect at this time.
Avon police are investigating the crash, per Plainfield Police Department policy. Also, the officer involved in the crash has been placed on administrative leave and is being provided with necessary support, police said.
U.S. 40, which is identified as East Main Street in Plainfield, was closed at Smith Road while police continue the investigation.