DES MOINES, IA. (THECOUNT.COM) — Jordan Douglas Deaton, a 27-year-old Des Moines man, has been identified as the driver who was killed early Thursday morning after crashing during a police pursuit in central Iowa, according to the Des Moines Police Department.
Authorities said the fatal incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. Thursday after officers with the Des Moines Police Department were monitoring activity in the area of 21st Street and Forest Avenue, a location police described as having recent reports of illegal firearm and drug-related activity.
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According to police, officers observed a vehicle leaving the area and committing multiple traffic violations. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and fled, prompting a pursuit.
Investigators said the vehicle traveled eastbound on University Avenue at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median and traveled across the westbound lanes of traffic before crashing into a tree in the 1400 block of University Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Deaton was pronounced dead from his injuries. Police confirmed that he was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The Des Moines Police Department formally identified Deaton on Friday. No other injuries were reported in connection with the crash, and no officers were hurt.
The incident occurred in a heavily traveled corridor on University Avenue, a major east-west route through Des Moines that connects residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and downtown. The stretch of roadway where the crash occurred has seen previous serious collisions, particularly during overnight hours when traffic speeds tend to increase.
Police have not released additional information regarding the duration of the pursuit or the specific traffic violations that initially drew officers’ attention. Officials also have not indicated whether impairment, speed, or other contributing factors played a role in the crash.
The Des Moines Police Department said the crash remains under investigation. As is standard procedure in fatal incidents involving police pursuits, the department will conduct an internal review alongside a crash reconstruction analysis to determine the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
University Avenue serves as a major transportation corridor in Polk County and is frequently patrolled due to its traffic volume and proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of balancing public safety with enforcement actions during overnight patrols.
No further details about Deaton’s background or the vehicle involved have been released. Police have also not announced whether dash camera or body camera footage will be made public.
The Des Moines Police Department stated that updates will be provided if additional information becomes available as the investigation continues.
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