With the assistance of the White County Coroner, the previously unidentified passengers from Sunday’s fatal crash have been identified as Jaliyah Johnson, 21, Country Club Hills, IL and Jeremiah Brown, 4 Months, Country Club Hills, IL. Johnson and Brown were both passengers in the 2013 BMW X3. The family has been notified.
The following is the original release regarding the accident.
At approximately 11 p.m. Sunday, White County Sheriff’s Department requested that the Indiana State Police investigate a single-vehicle fatal crash at West 3rd Street and South Ripley Street in Brookston.
A preliminary investigation by Trooper Fike revealed that White County Sheriff’s Department was in pursuit with a black 2013 BMW X3 driven by Joshua Brown, 23, from Springfield, IL, westbound on State Road 18 into Brookston. The vehicle passed SR 43 onto 3rd St at a high rate of speed, ran off the road, hit a tree, and came to rest against an abandoned house on Ripley Street. Brown attempted to flee from the vehicle but was quickly taken into custody. The BMW was occupied by three adults, one juvenile, one toddler, and one infant. Brown was transported to a Lafayette area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Further investigation revealed Brown was under the influence of a controlled substance. Brown was later transported to White County Jail.
Despite lifesaving efforts, one adult and one infant were pronounced deceased at the scene by the White County Coroner. Their names are being withheld pending identification and notification to the family.
Eric Stokes (passenger) was transported to a Monticello area hospital, a juvenile passenger was transported by helicopter to a South Bend area hospital, and a toddler was transported by helicopter to an Indianapolis area hospital.
Arrested and Preliminary Charges:
Joshua Brown, 23, Springfield, IL
- Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death – Level 1 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle Causing Death (2 Counts) – Level 3 Felony
- Reckless Driving Causing Death (2 Counts) – Level 5 Felony
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death (2 Counts) – Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Eric Stokes, 21, Springfield, IL
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Any questions about the pursuit can be directed to the White County Sheriff’s Department.
*All charges listed are merely accusations at this point. All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
There is no further information to release at this time.