Suspect fleeing Carmel police in stolen Kia kills innocent driver after high-speed collision on city streets

INDIANAPOLIS — A 47-year-old father is dead after a Carmel police officer chased a stolen Kia Sportage into Indianapolis. The driver of the stolen vehicle swerved in and out of slick city streets at speeds approaching 100 mph, police said, before ultimately losing control and causing a crash that claimed an innocent life.

Court documents reveal the suspect collided head-on with a Honda Fit driven by Kevin McKelvey. The collision occurred 10 minutes after noon on June 14 at the intersection of Meridian and 64th streets.

McKelvey’s 12-year-old son was in the Honda with him at the time of the collision. Both were sent to the hospital.

McKelvey was able to speak to police in the wake of the crash. He complained of head pain and was unable to recall basic information like his phone number.

His injuries didn’t appear to be deadly. But 15 days later, McKelvey suddenly passed away. The Marion County Coroner said his death was due to injuries suffered from the crash.

Alexander Mitchell, 24, of Carmel was identified in court documents as the driver of the stolen Kia. Mitchell was pulled from the wreckage by police officers and put into handcuffs while complaining of leg pain.

Court documents reveal the police chase began on U.S. 31 in Carmel. A Carmel police officer spotted the Kia driving 78 mph. An attempt to pull over the Kia turned into Mitchell accelerating away and the officer giving chase.

Despite slick roads due to rain, the Carmel police officer pursued the Kia off U.S. 31 and onto city streets. The Kia allegedly sped through 96th and Meridian, cutting into oncoming traffic and using the shoulder to try and elude police.

Mitchell reportedly got the Kia up to nearly 100 mph on 86th Street while approaching 73rd Street. The officer reported Mitchell used the double yellow median to pass vehicles before turning onto 64th Street and racing up to 88 mph while once more swerving into oncoming lanes and running traffic lights.

A crash report states that Mitchell lost control on the slick road at 64th and Meridian. He crossed into oncoming traffic and struck McKelvey’s Honda Fit head-on. The impact sent both vehicles into a Chevy Equinox driven by a 38-year-old woman, who was unharmed.

In the aftermath of the crash, police determined the Kia was stolen due to the vehicle’s ignition being ripped out and tampered with. A handgun was also found in the Kia.

Court records show Mitchell is prohibited from carrying a handgun due to being a convicted felon. In 2023, Mitchell was charged with dealing a narcotic drug, a Level 3 felony. He eventually pleaded guilty, but not until after the deadly crash. On Aug. 15, he was sentenced to four years of work release and two years of probation. The sentence included no prison term.

Two days after the crash, Mitchell was charged with three Level 6 felonies for criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement. He was also hit with several misdemeanor charges relating to the crash and for illegally carrying a firearm.

Mitchell’s charges were filed before McKelvey died from his injuries. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office told FOX59/CBS4 that the office is contemplating filing more serious charges.

“It is a significant increase to go from Reckless Driving to Reckless Homicide. We need to be certain that the death was a result of the crash and not something else. This matter remains under investigation,” the prosecutor’s office said.

The deadly crash has once again spurred questions about police department pursuit policies and when officers should terminate chases. Carmel police’s pursuit policy has been removed from their website.