2 charged in ‘road rage’ crash that killed 7-year-old, injured 2 others
UPDATE: On Nov. 3, IMPD confirmed that Torrell King has been arrested.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two drivers have been charged after a “road rage” crash killed a young girl and injured two other people.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has announced charges against Torrell King, 21, and a 17-year-old girl. Investigators say their actions behind the wheel led to the death of 7-year old Hannah Crutchfield on Sept. 14. Crutchfield’s mother and a school crossing guard were also injured.
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The teen, identified by the initials M.S. in court documents, faces charges of:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury
- Reckless homicide
- Criminal recklessness (five counts)
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing endangerment
- Operating a vehicle having never received a license
A blood draw showed the teen had THC in her system, according to court documents. Prosecutors have filed a petition to move her case to adult court.
King faces charges of
- Reckless homicide
- Criminal recklessness (three counts)
According to court documents, King was chasing the teen driver in his vehicle after she cut him off and forced him onto a median in the 5800 block of E. Washington St. Investigators say the teen swerved around another vehicle, ran a red light at Ritter Avenue and struck a southbound SUV on Ritter Avenue.
The crash caused the SUV to strike the three victims. Hannah and Cassandra Crutchfield were crossing the street with crossing guard Michael Sykes. Hannah Crutchfield had a severe head injury and died after being transported to a hospital. Cassandra Crutchfield, who was trapped under the SUV, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Sykes had injuries to his legs and left side and was also taken to a hospital.
The driver of the SUV said she hit her head when the teen crashed into her vehicle. She was unaware she had hit anyone. She said she saw the teenager yelling at King after the crash, claiming he had hit her car. Investigators say King did not hit the teen’s car.
After the crash, one witness said King got out and said, “that’s what you get” to the teen. She said they continued to argue with each other and never checked on the victims.
The teen and her mother spoke with police after the crash. The teen consented to a chemical test. Her mother then said, “no, they will will test for everything.” The teen then replied, “haven’t smoked since yesterday.” After further discussions with officers, the teen submitted a chemical test. A toxicology test showed that the teen tested positive for THC and THC-COOH.
MCPO says an initial hearing has not yet been set for King. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says King has not yet been arrested.
