DES MOINES, Iowa — Two fatalities were confirmed Wednesday night following a police chase that ended in a crash on the city's south side.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. near Stanton Avenue and McKinley Avenue when officers attempted to pull over a GMC Yukon for an equipment violation. According to police, a struggle ensued as officers tried to detain the male driver, allowing him to escape and flee in the vehicle.
The pursuit traveled eastbound on Stanton Avenue and then northbound on Fleur Drive, where the Yukon reportedly drove in the wrong direction on southbound lanes at speeds approaching 80 mph. Officers requested a Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, which successfully spun the vehicle, causing it to roll over.
Both the driver and his passenger, identified as 31-year-old April Doggett, were ejected from the SUV. Doggett later died at a local hospital; her family confirmed she had four children. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, also died at the scene.
Authorities reported that narcotics were found in the vehicle, and both the crash and the PIT maneuver are under investigation. Officer Paul Parizek emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, noting that it serves as a heavy burden for the officers involved.
Lane closures were reported on Fleur Drive following the incident, and emergency response teams were on site.