A high-speed police chase ended in a serious three-vehicle crash on U.S. 33 Saturday morning, resulting in five people injured, including three in critical condition. The crash occurred at approximately 8:25 a.m. just south of the U.S. 6 intersection.

According to the Indiana State Police, the incident began when a trooper observed a 2011 Mercedes C-Class speeding over 100 mph on U.S. 6, west of Ligonier. The driver, identified Ethan Aza, 23, of Warsaw, allegedly fled when the trooper attempted a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit through Ligonier’s outskirts. Due to public safety concerns, the trooper ended the chase. However, shortly after, Aza’s Mercedes crashed on U.S. 33.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Aza disregarded a traffic signal at the U.S. 6 intersection, striking a 2019 Nissan Rogue from behind. The force of the impact sent the Nissan into a ditch, flipping it onto its side. The Mercedes then veered into oncoming traffic, sideswiping a 2004 Acura before coming to a halt.

Aza was seriously injured and transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. No passengers were in his vehicle.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan Rogue were critically injured. The passenger was airlifted to Parkview, while the driver was transported by ambulance.

The two occupants of the Acura sustained minor injuries and were taken to Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville.

The pursuing trooper, one of the first on the scene, sustained lacerations while assisting in rescuing the Nissan’s occupants and was treated and released from the hospital.

U.S. 33 remained closed for nearly five hours as investigators worked the scene. Alcohol, drugs, and extreme speed are suspected factors in the crash. The case remains under investigation, with criminal charges pending a full review by the Noble County Prosecutor’s Office.