Charges upgraded against Carmel man accused of killing innocent driver during police chase

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. -- Prosecutors in Hamilton County have filed reckless homicide charges against a Carmel man accused of killing an innocent driver during a high-speed chase.




The amended charges filed this week come more than two months after the victim passed away. The suspect, Alexander Mitchell, was initially charged with resisting law enforcement and reckless driving, but those charges were filed before the victim died.




Prosecutors now believe the death of Kevin McKelvey was a result of injuries suffered in the crash, and the charges were upgraded as a result.




Driving north on Meridian Street near 64th Street in mid-June, 47-year-old McKelvey was hit head-on by another driver who was trying to escape police.




McKelvey was taken to the hospital before being released. Sadly, the father of three died suddenly at home a few weeks later.




"His death leaves a larger-than-life hole, and our family is absolutely devastated," said the victim's widow, Lakshmi Hasanadka. "We're gutted. We will never be the same."

McKelvey was a college professor, a poet and an avid gardener who grew thousands of plants for friends and family every spring.




"In recent years, his art was gardening," said Hasanadka. "His life's work was to build community, so he delivered these plants to build community and to connect with friends."




McKelvey's 12-year-old son was in the Honda with him at the time of the collision. Both were sent to the hospital. The boy has since recovered from his physical injuries, but the entire family remains scarred.




"He did so much for so many people, but especially his kids and me," said Hasanadka. "Life is fragile."

Court records claim Alexander Mitchell was driving a Kia that was stolen from Lebanon when he was spotted on U.S. 31 by a Carmel police officer. An attempt to pull over the Kia turned into a high-speed chase and led to Indianapolis.




Mitchell reportedly reached speeds of nearly 100 mph on Meridan and he weaved in and out of traffic while being chased by Carmel police.




After Mitchell allegedly slammed into Kevin's Honda Fit, the impact sent both vehicles into a Chevy Equinox driven by a 38-year-old woman, who was unharmed.




Prosecutors hope the new reckless homicide charge against Mitchell sends a clear message.




"When you're driving in a dangerous manner and someone dies, we're going to hold you accountable for that," said Hamilton County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Josh Kocher.




Charges of resisting law enforcement against Mitchell were also upgraded this week, which carries an even higher potential penalty than reckless homicide.




"The legislature is trying to deter people from getting involved in high-speed chases and fleeing from officers because they know the dangers involved," said attorney Mario Massillamany, who is not connected to the case. "Some of these high-speed chases, like this case, have led to people dying needlessly."




A second suspect, Aladin Bukhari, is also charged with auto theft and unlawful weapons possession in the case.




The deadly crash raised questions about the Carmel Police Department's pursuit policy and when officers should terminate chases.




Kevin's family has filed a notice of tort claim for the wrongful death, but neither that nor the amended charges against Mitchell will heal their pain.




"We built a lifetime and a life together, and it's a lifetime I'm not going to have him," said Hasanadka.




Mitchell is still being held in the Hamilton County jail on a $75,000 bond. His trial remains scheduled for December.




Carmel's pursuit policy states, "a pursuit should not begin, nor should it continue, when the need for immediate apprehension is very low and the totality of risk to public safety is very high."




Factors the officers are told to consider in deciding whether to pursue a suspect include:

• Neighborhoods





• Congested traffic areas





• The offense or suspected offense committed, and the potential danger if the offender isn't apprehended immediately





• Road conditions





• Weather conditions





• Utmost disregard for the safety of all persons, including citizens, suspects and officers

"When the risk to the public and officers exceeds the need to catch the violator, the pursuit shall be terminated," the policy states.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/charges-upgraded-against-carmel-man-accused-of-killing-innocent-driver-during-police-chase/