Coroners find explosive device in clothes of man killed in IMPD police chase near Franklin

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Marion County coroners have issued a statement after the body of a man killed in a police chase arrived for examination carrying an “explosive device.”

Marco Antonio Peña Morales, 30, died Wednesday night after crashing his truck at the end of a several-miles-long chase involving the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The chase started in Indianapolis around 9 p.m. at the intersection of East 21st Street and North Emerson Avenue.

Indianapolis police attempted to perform a traffic stop on Morales, who was considered a “known aggravated assault suspect,” but Morales did not stop.

Morales led police on a chase into Johnson County. While on I-65 northbound near the 92-mile marker, police say Morales’ “truck went off the road, struck a concrete culvert, and went airborne before landing in the ditch, where it caught fire.”

The Johnson County Coroner’s Office released Morales’ identity before he was transferred to Marion County for further examination.

Following his arrival, Marion County Coroner Alfarena McGinty confirmed to News 8’s Tim Spears they located a “suspected explosive device” in Morales’ clothes.

Coroners initiated protocols and contacted the bomb squad, who safely removed the device.

“At this time, all of our staff are safe, and there is no ongoing threat,” McGinty said. “We appreciate the public’s understanding that we cannot release further details as this matter remains under investigation. This is not believed to be a targeted act of violence toward any person or entity.”

IMPD added in another statement that the “suspicious item” was “not believed to be a danger.” It was unclear if the device was active.

Full statement from the Marion County Coroner’s Office

We can confirm that a deceased individual arrived at our facility from an investigation in another county with what appeared to be a suspected explosive device on the body.

Our protocols were immediately followed, and the bomb squad was called in as a precaution. We are relieved to report that the device has been safely removed from our premises.

At this time, all of our staff are safe, and there is no ongoing threat.

We appreciate the public’s understanding that we cannot release further details as this matter remains under investigation. This is not believed to be a targeted act of violence toward any person or entity.

Alfarena McGinty, Marion County Coroner

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