Prosecutor expected to make charging decision in Delaware County fatal crash case soon
Dec 28, 2024
DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman has told FOX59 and CBS4 that a decision is likely to come soon on possible additional criminal charges in a police pursuit crash that killed one person and severely injured another.
In a recent email, Hoffman wrote, “I believe I have all of the reports. However, I have not had a chance to make a decision. I assume I will have a decision after the first of the year. “
The crash happened the morning of April 18 at the intersection of McGalliard Road and Tillotson Avenue in Muncie. A vehicle driven by Zacrey Antrim violently crashed into another vehicle operated by Shanta Schmiesing.
Zacrey Antrim/Booking photo
Antrim was the subject of a high-speed police pursuit that began in neighboring Henry County, proceeded though southern Delaware County and ended in the streets of Muncie. An Indiana State Police report estimates the chase included speeds of 70-100 mph when it hit Muncie.
The pursuit was initiated by Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Strelecky. A review of police radio transmissions from the chase found Strelecky noting at one point he was racing through Muncie at 90 mph.
FOX59/CBS4 reported that, at the time of the chase, Strelecky was a first-year deputy with no prior law enforcement experience. Strelecky had not yet been through the state’s law enforcement academy, which includes 40 hours of emergency vehicle training.
Killed in the crash was 25-year-old Nick Woolums, who was a passenger in Antrim’s vehicle.
Woolum’s father James told FOX59/CBS4 he believes at least part of blame for the crash belongs to Strelecky.
“If you and me did that, we’d go to jail, I promise you," Woolums said. "I’m not saying throw the book at him, but he should be punished for what he did."
Schmiesing was on her way home from work at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital when her Jeep was broadsided by Antrim’s vehicle. She survived the crash but was left with multiple serious injuries.
Aftermath of April 18. 2024, police chase and crash
Aftermath of April 18. 2024, police chase and crash
When FOX59/CBS4 visited her in May at her home, she was lying in a hospital bed that was set up in the family living room. Schmiesing was facing a long recovery from multiple fractures that included both shoulders, lower back, jaw, and hips that were held together with inserted rods.
Schmiesing was also critical of Strelecky's decision to continue a high-speed chase through city streets.
"I have questions," Schmiesing told FOX59 and CBS4 in an interview. "Why that was going on? And why that was happening at such a high speed? And are there any regards to people, other people on the road?”
Henry County Sheriff John Sproles has been fully supportive of Strelecky’s decision-making during the pursuit. Sproles told FOX59/CBS4 a review of the chase found no violations of department policy, and he praised Strelecky’s performance.
The sheriff has also said, in his opinion, blame for the crash should be entirely on Antrim for not complying with Strelecky.
In a previous conversation with FOX59 and CBS4, Hoffman indicated additional criminal charges related to the crash could include a filing against Strelecky.