The incident unfolded on a Tuesday night when state troopers attempted to stop Luis Leyba-Gonzalez, who was behind the wheel of a 2014 Dodge Challenger. Witnesses reported seeing him weaving through traffic and tailgating other vehicles, prompting law enforcement to intervene. The pursuit began in the area of East Washington Street and Mitthoeffer Road and quickly escalated.
The chase reached dangerous speeds, with reports indicating that it reached up to 140 mph. For approximately 12 minutes, this harrowing pursuit wound its way into rural Hancock County before returning to Indianapolis.
The Tragic Collision
Tragically, the high-speed chase came to a devastating end at the intersection of 10th Street and Mitthoeffer Road. Luis Leyba-Gonzalez, still traveling at an excessive speed, disregarded a red light and collided with a Toyota Camry driven by 21-year-old Makayla Hankins. The impact was catastrophic, leading to a loss of life.
The three lives lost in this tragic incident include Makayla Hankins, the driver of the Camry, and Luis Leyba-Gonzalez’s own cousin and brother, Christian Leyba-Gonzalez (14) and Jose Gonzalez (31), both residents of Indianapolis. The collision was so severe that debris from the crash was strewn throughout the intersection, and the engine from the Camry ended up several houses away from the scene.
Luis Leyba-Gonzalez’s Apology
In the aftermath of the collision, Luis Leyba-Gonzalez expressed deep remorse and took full accountability for his actions. He apologized to the law enforcement officers involved in the pursuit, acknowledging his understanding of his Miranda Rights. According to court documents, Leyba-Gonzalez mentioned that he had taken his cousin and brother out joyriding in an attempt to impress them. He panicked when police attempted to stop them during their joyride, leading to the fateful collision.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
As a result of this tragic incident, Marion County prosecutors have charged Luis Leyba-Gonzalez with three counts of resisting law enforcement and three counts of operating a vehicle that resulted in the death of another person. It is crucial to note that the article did not provide further details on the ongoing legal proceedings or potential consequences for Leyba-Gonzalez.
Comments / 0