19-Year-Old Joseph Kelly Hits Runner and Two Cars During Indianapolis Marathon

Accident – Death – Obituary News : An Indianapolis man is now facing charges after allegedly causing a chaotic scene during the CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. The incident occurred on October 28th at approximately 11 a.m. at the intersection of 42nd Street and Clarendon Road.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), they received a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, as well as two other vehicles being hit. Upon arriving at the scene, IMPD officers discovered that the incident involved an unmarked police car and a runner participating in the marathon.

A Clayton Police Department officer, who was on traffic duty for the event, reported that a car had come to a stop at 42nd Street on the city’s north side as runners were passing by. The officer observed the driver, later identified as Joseph Kelly, a 19-year-old resident of Indianapolis, becoming increasingly impatient and slowly inching forward. In an attempt to get Kelly’s attention and stop him, the Clayton officer placed his hands on the hood of Kelly’s car.

Unfortunately, Kelly disregarded the officer’s attempt to halt his progress and instead accelerated past him. Kelly then turned onto Clarendon Road, where he struck a runner participating in the marathon. Shockingly, the injured runner did not remain at the scene.

Additional testimonies from witnesses and court documents stated that a detective present at the scene witnessed Kelly hitting the runner. In an effort to apprehend Kelly, the detective positioned his unmarked police car in the southbound lane of Clarendon Road. However, Kelly continued his reckless escape and collided with the detective’s car, as well as another vehicle in the northbound lane of Clarendon Road.

Kelly managed to flee the scene, but his escape was short-lived. Approximately four miles away, at the intersection of East 46th Street and Binford Boulevard, an officer stopped Kelly’s vehicle. Moments later, Kelly found himself in handcuffs, facing the consequences of his actions.

During questioning, Kelly claimed that he fled from the scene because he was fearful for his life. According to his statement, an officer had pointed a gun at him, prompting his panicked escape.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has brought forth several charges against Kelly, including criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement, and two counts of failure to remain at the scene of an accident. These charges reflect the severity of the incident and the potential danger posed by Kelly’s actions.

Kelly appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon for his initial hearing. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for November 29th to further address the charges against him.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and respecting the safety of others, especially during high-profile events such as marathons. The CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a long-standing tradition that celebrates athleticism and community spirit. It is disheartening to see an event meant to bring people together marred by such reckless behavior.

The IMPD and local authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all participants and spectators at events like the Monumental Marathon. They will continue to work diligently to prevent and address any potential threats or incidents that may arise..