IMPD makes arrest after fatal hit-and-run in downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man is in jail after he was accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash that left a woman dead in downtown Indianapolis earlier this month.

At around 7:53 a.m. on Tuesday, IMPD officers were dispatched to the area of W Michigan St. and Illinois St. on a report of a crash. When officers arrived they found a woman in the road, later identified as 46-year-old Andrea Nicole Gibbs, who was later pronounced dead.

According to previous reports, police believe the victim was walking east across Illinois when she was hit by a driver heading north on Illinois who refused to stop.

According to court records, multiple witnesses gave police a detailed description of the Ford truck allegedly driven by 33-year-old Jazz Drane.

That information helped an IMPD officer spot the suspect’s damaged truck parked on Market Street, just four blocks south of the crime scene. Police claims surveillance video shows Drane ditching the truck after the crash.

Drane was located Wednesday in the 4300 block of Redfern Drive in Beech Grove. Drane was taken into custody and arrested on preliminary charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

“The speediness with which were able to identify and locate the suspect came down to community cooperation. We’re so appreciative of the witnesses who remained on scene,” said IMPD Sgt. Amanda Hibschman.

The director of the Indiana Department of Child Services confirmed to employees this week that Gibbs joined DCS in December and was in town training to become a case manager in Vanderburgh County.

Director Adam Krupp added, “Though her time with us was short…she signed up to be a fellow public servant. I ask that you keep Andrea’s family in your thoughts… as we continue to come together as a supportive and caring team though this loss.”

“My heart goes out to Ms. Gibbs’ family and loved ones as they face this heartbreaking loss. No family should have to go through this kind of pain,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. “I want to thank our officers and investigators for the long hours they put in identifying and arresting the suspect. This arrest shows their commitment to our community, and I’m incredibly grateful for their efforts.”

“Our condolences go out to Ms. Gibbs and her family as they face this tragedy, but we’re so thankful for the witnesses that cooperated and the businesses that came forward,” said Hibschman.

The crash marked the second fatal hit-and-run in Indianapolis so far this year and continues a deadly trend from last year.

In 2024, the city saw a record breaking 31 people killed by hit-and-run crashes. That nearly doubled the number of deaths from the year before.

That’s why police and public safety advocates like Eric Holt, a representative with Safe Streets Indy and the Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis, urge all drivers to be alert behind the wheel.

“This is a problem that is affecting everyone on our roads,” Holt said. “It’s disheartening and we just really need people that are driving to take responsibility for their actions.”

Formal charges are still pending, but leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death is a Level 4 felony.