Brief Police Chase Leads to Fatal Two-Car Accident
According to the Wichita Eagle, a brief police chase ends in tragedy after the pursued driver crashes into another vehicle, killing the driver in Wichita, Kansas.
Police Chase Lasted 14 Seconds
Alex Davis, 18, blew through the stop sign at West 23rd Street and Payne Street. A nearby officer witnessed the traffic infraction and pursued Davis down two streets, reports the Wichita Eagle.
At the intersection of Arkansas and West 21st Street, Davis struck another vehicle driving south on Arkansas. The driver of the vehicle, 91-year-old James Dexter, died after being taken to Via Christi Hospital St. Francis. Police pursued Davis for only 14 seconds before the fatal crash occurred.
Davis attempted to flee the scene, after tossing a handgun on the ground, but was apprehended shortly after. According to the Wichita Eagle, Davis was jailed on suspicion of murder, burglary, larceny, several traffic incidents, and felony flee and elude police.
The Wichita Eagle reports that Davis had a violent history and was arrested as recently as September 21.
Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 35,092 people died in crashes on U.S. roadways in 2015.
- This is an increase of 7.2 percent from 2014 – the largest increase in nearly 50 years.
- An estimated 2.44 million people suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2015.
- Fatal multiple-vehicle crashes increased by 11.2 percent from 2014.
