UPDATE: Intersection clearing after St. Joseph County car chase crash
ABC 57 UPDATE THREE: St. Joseph County Sheriff William Redman released a statement Monday following the police chase incident.
"It’s important to understand that placing an officer on administrative leave does not mean the officer is in trouble or has done anything wrong, despite assumptions that are sometimes made. Administrative leave is a standard step and also allows us to consider factors such as physical injuries and mental well-being."
“Our primary concern is the well-being of our officers. They sustained injuries during this incident, and just as importantly, we recognize the mental and emotional toll situations like this can have,” said Sheriff Redman. “Ensuring our officers have the time, care, and support they need to recover, both physically and mentally, remains our top priority.”
"We also ask for patience as the investigation continues. While we understand the desire for immediate information, it takes time to gather all the facts. Once the process is complete, more information will be released."
UPDATE TWO: At 11:38 a.m., the Mishawaka Police Department (MPD) announced more details about the case that led to a crash at the intersection of S.R. 23 and Gumwood Road.
According to the MPD, the suspect that fled on foot was male, and he "aggressively engaged officers", leading to injuries sustained by St. Joseph County Police officers. Those officers are expected to recover from their injuries. During this exchange, a firearm was discharged, though no one was hit.
That suspect was then detained, taken to a local hospital, and then taken to St. Joseph County Jail.
According to the MPD, a woman was also detained and brought to the MPD for an interview.
UPDATE: As of 11 a.m. Monday, the intersection of S.R. 23 and Gumwood Road has reopened, nearly six hours after the crash.
ORIGINAL STORY: ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Police Department announced that an officer-involved vehicle pursuit ended with the suspect's vehicle crashing into another vehicle around S.R. 23 and Gumwood Road in the early morning Monday.
Around 5 :15 a.m. Monday, St. Joseph County Police officers were dispatched to the 13,000 block of S.R. 23 for a report of a possible attempted burglary and a suspicious vehicle.
The ensuing car chase began when officers arrived and the suspect vehicle fled.
The suspect vehicle then crashed into another vehicle around S.R. 23 and Gumwood Road. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
At least one individual was detained, before they were transported to the hospital and then the St. Joseph County Jail. Officers sustained injuries but are expected to be okay, says the St. Joseph County Police Department.
The Mishawaka Police Department is now set to lead the investigation, in accordance with an interlocal agreement between it, the St. Joseph County Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department.
Two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.