Police chase ends in serious accident

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) - Two drivers were sent to the hospital early Sunday morning after a pursuit that led to a serious vehicle accident. 

The Howard County Police Department says deputy Justin Markley was on patrol around 1:30 a.m. near the US 31 and Markland Avenue area. He noticed a red Oldsmobile traveling northbound on 31 at a very high speed.

Markely turned on his emergency lights and attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle disregarded the pursuit.

During the pursuit, the Oldsmobile blew a stop sign and struck a pick up truck. The Oldsmobile caught fire and the driver, 24-year-old Steven Newgent of Florida, suffered injuries to his hip and legs. He was lifelined to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

The driver of the pickup was taken to Methodist hospital for injuries to his arm and upper body.

A background check showed Newgent's driver's license was suspended out of Florida for failure to pay a traffic citation. He is being charged with numerous traffic violations, resisting law enforcement, and criminal recklessness.

It is not yet known whether or not drugs or alcohol was a factor in this accident.