A failed traffic stop escalated into a police pursuit that culminated in a three-vehicle collision at a major southeast Fort Wayne intersection on Monday evening. The incident occurred at the intersection of East Pontiac Street and South Anthony Boulevard when a vehicle fleeing from law enforcement collided with two other cars. According to Fort Wayne Police Officers who responded to the scene, the pursuit began after an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle carrying an individual with an outstanding warrant for drug charges. The driver refused to comply, initiating the chase that ultimately ended in the crash. Fort Wayne Dispatch confirmed that emergency responders were dispatched to the location after receiving multiple calls reporting a collision with injuries. Despite the violent nature of the crash involving three vehicles, authorities indicated that only minor injuries were sustained by those involved. Police successfully apprehended three individuals at the crash site, though their identities and specific charges have not been released to the public. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of East Pontiac Street and South Anthony Boulevard represents one of southeast Fort Wayne's busier traffic junctions, serving as a critical connection point between residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. South Anthony Boulevard is a major north-south arterial road that carries substantial traffic volume throughout the day, while East Pontiac Street functions as an important east-west connector through southeast Fort Wayne. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and features multiple lanes in each direction, creating complex traffic patterns during peak hours. This area is approximately 2.5 miles southeast of downtown Fort Wayne and is surrounded by a mix of businesses, residential properties, and community facilities. The intersection's proximity to the South Side High School and numerous retail establishments contributes to consistent traffic congestion, particularly during afternoon rush hours and weekends. Weather conditions at the time of the incident were not reported as a contributing factor.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, individuals injured in multi-vehicle accidents like this one may have various legal options for seeking compensation. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning injured parties may recover damages as long as they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. The state's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives affected individuals a defined timeframe to file legal actions. Parties involved in this collision may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering depending on the specific circumstances and fault determination. When police pursuits are involved, additional legal considerations come into play regarding the reasonableness of the pursuit policy and its execution. Insurance claims in such cases often involve multiple policies, including the at-fault driver's liability coverage, the innocent parties' collision coverage, and potentially uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Those affected should document all medical treatment and gather evidence from the scene while it remains fresh.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
• Parkview Hospital Trauma Center: (260) 266-1000
• Lutheran Hospital Emergency Department: (260) 435-7001

Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division: (317) 232-1233
• Fort Wayne Safe Streets Initiative: (260) 427-1208
• Allen County Highway Department: (260) 449-7369

Support Services

• Allen County Victim Assistance Program: (260) 449-7307
• Indiana Victims Compensation Fund: (800) 353-1484
• Lutheran Social Services of Indiana: (260) 426-3347

Legal References

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title9(link is external)
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv(link is external)
• Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.in.gov/isp/crash-reports(link is external)