Indianapolis, Ind. – Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of driving without a valid license, speeding, and causing a deadly crash that killed a woman early in the morning after a birthday celebration in September.
Suspect Charged in Fatal September Collision
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) confirmed that 28-year-old Emerson Blanc faces several charges, including reckless homicide, criminal recklessness, and operating a vehicle without a license causing death.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office formally filed the charges on Wednesday, noting that online court records show an active warrant for Blanc’s arrest.
The charges stem from a September 14 crash that claimed the life of 33-year-old Nerline Saint Fleur, who had been celebrating her birthday with friends before tragedy struck on Cold Spring Road.
Victim Died at the Scene After Car Slammed Into Pole
Investigators say Saint Fleur was riding as a rear passenger in the vehicle driven by Blanc when it lost control, veered off the roadway, and crashed into an electrical pole. The impact left the car mangled, killing Saint Fleur at the scene.
“I checked for any pulse and I couldn’t feel anything,” said 19-year-old Evelyn Briones, a bystander who stopped to help after witnessing the crash.
Briones, a certified nursing assistant, said she was driving back to her college apartment when she saw the wreck and instinctively pulled over. “I didn’t know her name, her voice, her age — nothing,” Briones recalled. “I just felt like her life was in my hands.”
Briones performed CPR until first responders arrived, but Saint Fleur could not be revived, as per Fox59.
Police: Driver Was Speeding and Talking Before the Crash
According to court documents, Blanc was driving while Saint Fleur’s boyfriend sat in the front passenger seat. He later told investigators that Blanc was “talking excessively” and “pressing the gas.”
Moments before the collision, the boyfriend turned to speak with Saint Fleur. The next thing he remembers, he said, was “hearing Blanc scream, followed by the crash,” before realizing he was injured and unable to feel his legs.
Airbag data retrieved from the vehicle confirmed that it was traveling over 30 miles per hour above the speed limit just two seconds before impact.
A BMV record check revealed that Blanc had never held a valid driver’s license. Toxicology results showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.047, which is below the legal limit, but IMPD officials still emphasized that any level of impairment behind the wheel can be dangerous.
“What people don’t understand is that driving is a privilege, not a right,” said Sergeant Christopher Higgins of the IMPD. “You need proper licensing to operate a vehicle and show others that you’re safe on the road. When you’re behind a 2,000-pound metal object, you’re putting everyone around you at risk.”
Crash Reconstruction Confirms Excessive Speed
Investigators initially believed the passengers had been ejected, but Blanc later told police he had pulled them from the car through the driver’s side window, fearing an explosion. His statement was consistent with physical evidence, including body fluids and hair found on jagged trim pieces near the window frame.
Crash reconstruction revealed Blanc had been traveling at excessive speed, losing control of the vehicle and entering a high-speed yaw and slide. The car slid off the roadway, crossed an access road, struck a school crossing sign, and finally came to rest after hitting the AES utility pole.
A Night of Celebration Turns Tragic
Police say Blanc told investigators that the group had been at a party or club earlier that night to celebrate Saint Fleur’s birthday.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Briones. “You’re out having fun with friends, not thinking anything bad can happen — but it’s terrifying how fast things can change.”
IMPD officials commended Briones for her quick response and use of CPR, encouraging others who are trained to take action in emergencies.
How can the community better address reckless driving and ensure safer roads for everyone? Share your thoughts, reactions, and experiences in the comments below — and let us know what steps you think should be taken to prevent tragedies like this in Indianapolis.
