NPD officer attacked, suspect dies in chase

A man has died following an incident that involved an attack on a Noblesville police officer, a stolen police car and a 50-mile police pursuit that ended in Montgomery County.

Tuesday’s​ incident started when Noblesville police were involved in a battery investigation in a parking lot in the 14100 block of Blanket Flower Lane, near 146th Street and River Road.

Reports indicate off-duty Noblesville police officer Haley Lutz was flagged down to assist with a possible domestic battery when she was confronted by the male suspect, who attacked the officer and fled the scene in the officer’s marked patrol vehicle. The suspect then stole another vehicle and continued to lead police on a chase that ended east of Crawfordsville in Montgomery County.

Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were setting up a road block at exit 39 (State Road 32) on Interstate 74 when the suspect began to exit I-74 and hit a 2005 Buick car, then struck the back of a semi-trailer.

The driver of the Buick was taken to a hospital with injuries that did not appear life-threatening. The driver of the semi-trailer was not injured, the sheriff’s office said.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.

Officer Lutz was treated for minor injuries from the incident.