Authorities in Allen County have identified the pedestrian who lost his life during a police pursuit early Thursday morning in Fort Wayne. The Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the victim was 62-year-old Philip Andrew Biddle, a longtime resident of the community. Officials released his identity on Friday after notifying his family, marking a tragic end to an already chaotic series of events.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, the incident began when an officer attempted to stop a vehicle northeast of downtown. The driver refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit through several nearby streets. As the chase continued, the fleeing vehicle approached the intersection of Fourth Street and Spy Run Avenue. While making a turn, the driver struck Biddle, who happened to be walking in the area. Emergency responders attempted to treat him, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
Police say the driver did not stop after the collision. Moments later, the vehicle reportedly sideswiped another car before the suspect abandoned it and fled on foot. Officers observed the man throw an object into a grassy area before running into a nearby neighborhood. With the help of residents who witnessed the suspect’s movements, police were able to track him down. He was found hiding in a backyard and taken into custody without further conflict.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 30-year-old Denzel Gordon. Police announced that Gordon faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and several firearm-related violations. Officials said the wide range of charges reflects the danger posed to the public during the pursuit and the fatal consequences of the suspect’s actions.
The coroner’s office determined that Biddle died from multiple blunt-force injuries caused by being struck by a moving vehicle. Although the suspect faces serious criminal charges, the manner of death was formally ruled accidental, a standard classification in fatal pedestrian crashes. Meanwhile, investigators continue to review body-camera footage, gather witness statements, and analyze physical evidence collected along the pursuit route to build a complete picture of what occurred.
Police noted that the crash led to temporary road closures and traffic delays in the area as officers documented the scene. They added that more information may be released as the investigation progresses.
