Driver died trying to escape from Cass County deputy

A suspect fled from an attempted traffic stop in Cass County and died in the pursuit that followed.

At the request of Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, the Indiana State Police is investigating the pursuit that ended in a single-vehicle fatal crash.

According to the preliminary investigation, just after 6:30 a.m. Monday, a Cass County deputy was patrolling State Road 29, just south of Logansport. The deputy attempted to stop a 2019 Jeep Compass for speeding. The suspect vehicle fled southbound on State Road 29.

The pursuit continued on State Road 29 from Cass County into Carroll County. Just before reaching County Road 600 North, the Jeep veered off the east side of the road for an unknown reason, struck a tree, and rolled over before coming to a stop.

Despite lifesaving efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Carroll County Coroner. The name of the driver is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.

Further investigation revealed that the Jeep had been reported stolen from Monticello. The Monticello Police Department is handling the investigation into the vehicle theft.

Assistance came from troopers from the Lafayette Post and Peru Post, other members of the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Carroll County EMS, and numerous fire personnel.