From Local Sources

EVANSVILLE — Authorities say a Huntingburg man was killed Tuesday in a head-on collision in Vanderburgh County that occurred during a pursuit.

Killed in the collision near Big Cynthiana Road (State Road 65) and New Harmony Road was Brian S. Cruz, 19, Huntingburg.

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office reports being dispatched at 9:27 a.m. to the report by a female victim saying she was involved in a physical altercation with a boyfriend before he stole her vehicle.

Deputies located the stolen vehicle at Big Cynthiana Road and New Harmony Road. Cruz initially stopped as deputies pulled the vehicle over but, as the deputies approached, Cruz sped away.

Within moments, police said, the fleeing suspect vehicle crossed the roadway center line and struck a southbound semi-tractor trailer head-on.

The collision resulted in both vehicles immediately catching fire. Due to the extent of the damage, deputies were unable to free Cruz.

Deputies were able to get the driver of the semi-truck out before both vehicles became engulfed.

Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was not injured during the collision.