Motorcyclist dies after high-speed chase ends in Madison County ditch

A motorcyclist died in Madison County after a pursuit that started in Greenfield ended with his bike crashing into a ditch near Pendleton. The Greenfield Police Department confirmed the death in a release issued Thursday.

The incident began just after 8:40 p.m. Wednesday when a Greenfield officer observed the rider commit a traffic violation. The officer attempted to stop the motorcyclist near the intersection of State Street and New Road, but the suspect did not pull over.

The chase led the rider down State Street and onto State Road 9. From there, the pursuit continued into Madison County on State Road 67. The crash occurred just north of Pendleton, close to Ridge Lane.

According to police, the motorcycle struck a northbound vehicle and then hit the rear of a second northbound car. The rider lost control, was thrown from the bike, and landed in a ditch. The motorcycle caught fire, and officers put out the flames at the scene.

Backup officers from assisting agencies helped the Greenfield officer provide medical aid to the rider. He died at the scene. Indiana State Police are withholding his name and age until they notify his family.

The Greenfield officer and the occupants of the two cars involved in the collision were not injured. State police are investigating the crash and plan to release more details as they become available.