Concerns raised by FWPD pursuit ending in fatal crash

Fort Wayne police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred during a brief pursuit early Thursday morning on Spy Run Avenue, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle. Officials are highlighting the split-second decisions officers face when deciding to pursue a suspect and stress that each pursuit is thoroughly reviewed. The incident began when an officer tried to stop a vehicle at Lawton Place and Griswold Drive around 6:03 a.m. The driver fled, eventually striking a pedestrian on Spy Run after turning from East Fourth Street. The driver later stopped on Spy Run after hitting another vehicle. Witnesses assisted officers in apprehending a suspect who had been hiding and recovering a discarded handgun. The pedestrian's identity will be released following an autopsy. Lt. Tony Maze of FWPD's traffic command explained the various considerations officers must take into account during pursuits, such as time of day, traffic conditions, speed, and presence of pedestrians and other vehicles. Maze emphasized that officers often do not know who is driving until the vehicle is stopped, which can change the risk assessment. The FWPD conducts thorough reviews of all pursuits to ensure policy compliance and assess the need for termination. Safety advice for the public includes yielding to emergency vehicles and being aware of pedestrian activity, particularly in residential areas. Denzel Trevon Gordon, 30, has been arrested and faces multiple charges in connection with the incident.