Police: Grandma, grandkid stole gas, crashed into home

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A grandmother and her granddaughter suspected of stealing gas are in the hospital after they slammed their SUV into a Lawrence home.

Indianapolis Metro Police said the women were trying to get away with a crime.

According to police, the granddaughter was speeding down 75th Street on the northeast side around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon when she went off the road near Cobblestone Drive and crashed.

Police said moments before the accident, the two women had filled up the SUV with gas at the McCordsville Village Pantry a few miles away. Police said they sped off without paying a dime.

Witness Jason Peak decided to tail the accused thieves, but they were going too fast for him to keep up.

"I was at the gas station when the attendant came outside waving his arms, saying that someone had stolen gas," said Peak. "I saw the transformer blow in the sky. I knew someone had been hurt. When I pulled up, both ladies were in the car. I pried the door open and pulled the driver out of the car."

Police said problems started when the driver came up on a hill going at least 80 miles an hour. She lost control, hit a light post and crashed into the house.

No one was in the home at the time of the crash. Police said the residents returned from work to find their home in shambles.

"They're shocked. They're just fortunate no one was in the path of the vehicle when it ended in a devastating crash," said Lt. Stan Stephens of the Lawrence Police Department.

"You never want to see anyone get hurt," said Peak. "But they stole the gas. Crime just doesn't pay sometimes is what they say."

Police aren't releasing the names of the women. They said the grandmother is in serious condition at the hospital. Her granddaughter is in good condition. Police said they could be facing charges.