Franklin, Indiana — October 1, 2025: Authorities identified Marco Antonio Pena Morales, age 30, as the man who died following a police pursuit and vehicle crash on I-65 near the 92-mile marker in Johnson County.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers recognized Pena Morales as a suspect wanted for aggravated assault and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Police say he refused to pull over, leading officers to initiate a pursuit along I-65.
Officers attempted a PIT maneuver but were unsuccessful. Shortly afterward, Pena Morales’s vehicle crashed and became engulfed in flames. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators later stated that when Pena Morales’s body arrived at the coroner’s office, staff discovered a suspected explosive device attached to the remains. Bomb technicians were called to safely remove and dispose of the device.
The incident remains under a pending investigation by multiple agencies, including the IMPD, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and federal authorities. Traffic along I-65 was closed for hours as crews secured the scene and investigated the crash site.
Local and state media outlets —including FOX 59, WISH-TV, Indianapolis Star, and WRTV Indianapolis — reported on the incident and the discovery of the explosive device.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports as of the date of publication. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys does not independently verify third-party claims and makes no representation regarding the completeness or accuracy of external reporting. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.