LAWRENCE, Ind. -- A stolen minivan driven by a teenager struck a police car during a high-speed chase Saturday night, killing a Lawrence police officer, authorities said.
Officer Craig Herbert (pictured, left), 34, was driving north on Franklin Road when the driver of the minivan, heading east on 46th Street, lost control as he crossed some railroad tracks. The minivan slammed into Herbert's car, and Herbert died at the scene, police said.
The minivan's driver, identified only as a 15-year-old male, left the vehicle on foot but was soon arrested, police said. His passenger, also identified only as a 15-year-old male, suffered a broken leg and also was arrested,
RTV6's Jeremy Brilliant reported.
The teens were in police custody Sunday afternoon.
Herbert, who had heard about the pursuit, was trying to determine the location of the minivan when the crash happened, police said.
The chase began at about 11:30 p.m. when an officer saw the minivan, checked its license plate and learned it had been reported stolen, police said.
The minivan reached speeds of up to 100 mph during the chase, according to police.
Herbert, a five-year veteran of the department, was the first Lawrence police officer to die in the line of duty.
"He was just one of those great guys -- very mild mannered, soft spoken, a good officer," Bulger told
RTV6's Jennifer Carmack.
Herbert is survived by a wife and two sons.
A trust fund has been established for the boys. Donations can be made to the Children of Patrolman Herbert fund at the Indiana Members Credit Union.
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Police: Officer May Not Have Seen Minivan Coming
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