ALLEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – The driver who died May 13th when leading police on a chase in Allen County killed himself. That’s according to the Allen County Coroner’s Office, which said 34-year-old Erik Kendrick shot himself in the head before the vehicle hit a tree and flipped over. Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers were attempting to do a wellness check on Kendrick. He drove off when they found his vehicle and led them on the chase.
ISP released the following:
One Dead After Crash in Allen County
**UPDATE**
Allen County, IN – Updated information regarding the pursuit on May 13, 2026, at US30 and Butt Rd. in Allen County. The Allen County Coroner has identified the driver involved and released the cause of death in this case.
The initial call that the Indiana State Police received was that an armed person was threatening self-harm and driving toward Columbia City. After Troopers located the vehicle in Whitley County, the driver fled, leading the Troopers on a pursuit into Allen County. With the knowledge that the driver was possibly armed and not knowing their intent, Indiana State Police units pursued the vehicle. The Allen County Coroner’s Office has listed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head and ruled it as a suicide. This action led to the crash near Butt Rd.
Any questions related to the identity or cause of death should be forwarded to the Allen County Coroner’s Office.
Original release below.
**END OF UPDATE**
Allen County, IN – On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, just after 12:15pm, Indiana State Police Troopers monitoring radio traffic overheard a report of an individual who was believed to be contemplating self-harm. Information provided to law enforcement included a description of the individual’s vehicle.
A short time later, the vehicle was located in Whitley County on US30 near County Road 300 East. Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop to check the welfare of the individual. Upon activation of emergency lights, the driver fled on US 30 and headed east into Allen County.
During the attempt to flee, the vehicle left the roadway to the right and struck a tree near Butt Rd. The vehicle contained a single occupant, who was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
The identity of the individual and the official cause of death have not yet been confirmed. The Allen County Coroner’s Office will release that information following completion of their investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
If you or anyone you know is having mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can find help at National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
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