EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Authorities say several men broke into a home on Big Cynthiana Road early Sunday morning, and when they tried to get away in their vehicle, the homeowner chased them in his. It ended moments later, in a crash that killed one of the suspects.
Ira Beumer was the man who chased down those suspects, but he told 14 News that this wasn't a case of heroism, it was a case of being a deeply concerned parent.
At about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 5120 Big Cynthiana Road.
According to both police and Beumer, four or five males attacked Beumer at gun point, just outside of his home.
Forced to let the suspects inside the house, Beumer said he was hit in the face by a hand gun and was locked inside of the bathroom. Moments later, Beumer said that his wife arrived at the home and the suspects threatened to kill her and Beumer. The suspects did not follow through on their threat, but Beumer says they did run away with money and weapons.
Beumer's 12-year-old daughter had been staying at his godson's home for the night, but Beumer didn't know that. Uncertain if the suspects had grabbed his daughter, Beumer chased and collided with them in his vehicle.
One suspect, Antuan Jenkins, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene, and another was taken to Deaconess Hospital in critical condition.
Police would later locate and arrest two other suspects. Dezmont Hogan, 23, was arrested on charges of reckless homicide, armed robbery, burglary, aggravated battery and other pending charges. Nalakeio Bennet, 20, was arrested on charges of burglary, armed robbery, and aggravated battery.
"This is the most traumatic thing I've ever dealt with in my life, and it's so surreal right now. I haven't slept in 35 plus hours," said Beumer.
There may be a fifth suspect in this case. The sheriff's office has declined to comment at this point, as this is an ongoing investigation.
14 News will update this story as more details are made available.
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