Plainfield, IN – An 18-year-old Indianapolis man is facing a long list of felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he led police on a high-speed chase, crashed a stolen vehicle at nearly 100 mph, and injured another driver on Christmas Day in Hendricks County.
According to court documents and law enforcement officials, Eniakin Odutayo, 18, was arrested on December 25 following the dangerous pursuit that ended in a violent crash at a busy intersection in Plainfield. Online jail records show Odutayo is currently being held without bond.
Stolen Vehicle Spotted During Routine Patrol
The incident began when a Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputy was on routine patrol near State Road 267 and Stafford Road in Plainfield. During the patrol, the deputy was alerted to a stolen Kia Optima believed to be traveling in the area.
Shortly afterward, the deputy spotted the vehicle heading northbound on SR 267 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly accelerated immediately, refusing to stop despite police lights and sirens.
Chase Reaches Speeds Over 100 MPH
Court records state that the suspect drove recklessly, passing other vehicles at extremely high speeds. The pursuit continued westbound onto E. Main Street, where the Kia Optima reportedly reached speeds of up to 110 mph.
As the vehicle approached the intersection of E. Main Street and Carr Road, deputies say the driver attempted to pass two vehicles stopped at a red light. Instead, the Kia slammed into the rear of a red Ford Focus at approximately 100 mph, causing serious injuries.
Driver Attempts to Flee After Violent Crash
Despite the severity of the collision, deputies said the driver of the Kia attempted to escape on foot. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect trying to kick out the driver’s side window before climbing over the center console and exiting through the passenger-side door.
Authorities ordered the suspect to stop, but court documents state he continued to flee. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies were able to take him into custody when he went down on the ground.
Initially, the suspect refused to identify himself, but was later confirmed to be Eniakin Odutayo.
Injuries to Suspect and Victim
Deputies observed that Odutayo had a laceration on his forehead. He later admitted to authorities that he was not wearing a seatbelt, and said his head struck the windshield during the crash.
The driver of the Ford Focus was transported to the hospital with a head laceration and multiple abrasions on his arm. Medical staff reported that the victim lost consciousness due to the impact and was later diagnosed with a concussion.
At the hospital, doctors determined that Odutayo suffered a broken patella and would require surgery. After treatment, he confirmed his identity and provided a valid Indiana driver’s license.
Long List of Charges Filed
After being released from the hospital, Odutayo was booked into jail on multiple charges, including:
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Car – Level 6 Felony
- Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon – Level 6 Felony
- Auto Theft – Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving Causing Injury – Class A Misdemeanor
- Refusal to Identify Self – Class C Misdemeanor
- Failure to Use a Seatbelt – Infraction
- Speeding – Infraction
Court Proceedings Underway
Online court records indicate that an initial hearing in the case was held at 12:00 p.m. Monday in Hendricks Superior Court 5. Judge Joshua D. Adair has been assigned to oversee the proceedings as the case moves forward.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding future court dates or potential plea negotiations.
Should penalties be harsher for high-speed police chases involving stolen vehicles, especially when innocent drivers are injured? How can communities prevent dangerous pursuits like this from happening? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.
