3 Hurt In Crash Caused By Speeding Driver

NORTH WEBSTER – Three people were hurt in a crash south of North Webster when a car fleeing police at  more than 100 mph ran a red light.

According to a press release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 3 p.m., a Kosciusko County Sheriff's deputy observed a blue 2011 Ford Fiesta, driven by Walter David Hawthorne, 44, Nappanee, pass two vehicles at a high rate of speed in a no-passing zone.Hawthorne's vehicle was traveling eastbound on Armstrong Road in the area of CR 450E at the time of the offense. The deputy activated his emergency lights and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the Fiesta. Hawthorne continued eastbound on Armstrong Road (which becomes CR 500N), refusing to stop for the marked patrol vehicle.

As Hawthorne was approaching Ind. 13, in excess of 100 mph, the stoplight was red for his direction of travel. Hawthorne continued through the intersection, striking a southbound red 2013 Ram 2500, driven by Joshua Shepherd, 36, of North Webster.

Shepherd's vehicle then struck a silver 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Christopher Ousley, 34, Leesburg. The Malibu was stopped facing northbound on Ind. 13, prior to the crash. After the collision with the Ram, Ousley's vehicle overturned, trapping him inside the car.

The deputy immediately called for assistance and began to render aid to the injured parties.

Emergency personnel responded from the North Webster police and fire departments, Pierceton Police Department and the Turkey Creek Fire Territory. Hawthorne was airlifted from the scene by the Parkview Samaritan Air Ambulance and was conscious and alert Thursday evening.

Ousley was extricated from the Malibu by the North Webster Fire Department and was transported from the scene, with a complaint of neck pain. Ousley's front-seat passenger, Loretta Ousley, 62, Leesburg, was transported from the scene to a Fort Wayne hospital with a facial injury. Shepherd did not complain of injuries at the scene.

This crash remains under investigation by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office Fatal Team.