Stolen vehicle suspect flees Independence police, kills motorcyclist and passenger in crash

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - A motorcyclist and passenger in Independence were killed in a crash Wednesday night when someone fleeing from police crashed into them.

The crash happened at 10:52 p.m. near S. Scott Avenue and E. Winner Road.

Independence police said an officer had seen a stolen Jeep near E. 29th Street and Santa Fe Road around 10:40 p.m. The driver fled when he saw police officers in the area, swerving at oncoming vehicles. That included a police vehicle.

The crash happened as the Jeep was traveling south on Scott Avenue, striking a motorcyclist with a passenger as they were going east on Winner Road.

After striking the uninvolved motorcyclist and passenger, the suspect continued to drive dangerously. Police said the suspect drove the wrong way on several roads, including I-70.

In order to prevent another crash, an officer used a technique with his police vehicle to stop the Jeep.

The driver of the Jeep was taken into custody with minor injuries.

The motorcyclist died at the scene. The passenger was taken to a nearby hospital and later died due to their injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

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