JaJuan Burley: Indiana man runs over his mother during high-speed police pursuit
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA: JaJuan Burley, a 38-year-old Indiana man, was involved in a high-speed police chase that ultimately led to him running over his own mother, Juanita Gray, 57, before being tasered by police and subsequently apprehended.
The incident began when Burley refused to comply with police instructions to pull over, initiating a harrowing high-speed chase that lasted for approximately 20 minutes. The chase concluded at his mother's residence, where an "item exchange occurred between the suspect and his mother."
However, the situation took a tragic turn when Gray attempted to re-enter her home. Her son, Burley, accelerated his vehicle into her, causing her to be sent several feet into the air, while grazing an officer in the process.
A man identified as JaJuan Burley, 38, shockingly rammed his car into his own mother, Juanita Gray, 57, during a high-speed police chase in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
— BoreCure (@CureBore) September 22, 2023
The incident began when Burley refused to pull over, leading police on a 20-minute chase that ended at his mother's… pic.twitter.com/BqvSiwUrRs
Video captures moment JaJuan Burley was arrested by police
Video footage of the incident shows the moment when Burley exited his car and was subsequently tasered by police officers, leading to his arrest. In the video, recorded by a relative, Burley is seen walking away from his vehicle, with police officers shouting instructions at him.
As he falls to the ground after being tasered, an officer commands, "Get him in cuffs now," and four individuals restrain him. Gray, who is seen injured on the ground, is attended to by a police officer who informs her, "Ma'am, we have an ambulance coming."
A person recording the video is directed by police to move away from the scene, leading to a response of, "Why are you touching me for? This is my home." Another officer explains, "This is a crime scene; if you could just step over here, we'd all appreciate it. That way there is no misunderstanding."
Burley is then instructed to place his hands behind his back before being assisted to his feet and escorted away. Video footage from a nearby house also captures Fort Wayne Police Department officers shouting at Burley to stop his vehicle.
As the situation escalates, Burley is seen accelerating across the front lawn and striking Gray, sending her into the air. Shocked onlookers are heard exclaiming as he grazes another officer while attempting to flee. The video concludes with several gunshots ringing out, and Burley is struck by one of the bullets.
What are the charges against JaJuan Burley?
Both Burley and the officer he allegedly hit with the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Gray, despite refusing medical attention at the scene, is expected to make a full recovery but now faces charges of obstruction of justice, which is a felony.
Burley has been charged with a range of offenses, including battery of a deadly weapon, attempted murder, disarming, resisting arrest in a vehicle, and criminal recklessness, with additional charges related to narcotics pending.
The incident remains under investigation, with the Fort Wayne Police Department claiming that Burley was shot due to a "dangerous situation created by the suspect," as per Daily Mail. Crime scene tape was visible around the home after the incident concluded.