Crime & Safety
Lake County, IN Fatal Crash: Off-Duty Officer Involved, 1 Dead
Hammond, IN – A deadly traffic crash involving an off duty Hammond police officer has prompted an independent investigation by Indiana State Police, with one driver confirmed dead and the officer plac
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-18T21:50:12.160Z
Hammond, IN – A deadly traffic crash involving an off duty Hammond police officer has prompted an independent investigation by Indiana State Police, with one driver confirmed dead and the officer placed on administrative leave.
According to the Hammond Police Department , officials confirmed Sunday that an off duty officer was involved in a traffic collision that resulted in the death of another driver.
The department announced that, at the direction of the Hammond police chief, Indiana State Police were requested to respond and assume full responsibility for investigating the crash.
The decision places the investigation under an outside law enforcement agency rather than the department employing the officer involved.
Officer Placed on Administrative Leave Hammond police confirmed that the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities have not released the officer's identity, the name or age of the deceased driver, or details about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The exact location and time of the crash also were not provided in the department's initial public statement.
Officials have not indicated whether speed, impairment or other contributing factors are being examined. No criminal charges or findings of wrongdoing were announced.
Indiana State Police Expected to Release Additional Details The Hammond Police Department expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased driver, along with others affected by the fatal collision.
The department also confirmed that Indiana State Police will issue a subsequent news release containing additional information about the incident and the ongoing investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced when additional findings will become available.