S’Doni Pettis Pleads Guilty in Deadly 2025 Plainfield Crash After Fleeing Police

 HENDRICKS COUNTY, INDIANA — S’Doni Pettis has changed his plea to guilty in connection with a deadly police pursuit that ended in Plainfield on February 5, 2025, killing two young children and injuring several others.

A trial began today in Hendricks County Circuit Court, but proceedings took a dramatic turn when Pettis informed the court he wished to withdraw his previous not-guilty plea. The judge accepted the request, and Pettis officially entered a guilty plea on the record.

Deadly Police Pursuit

According to prosecutors, Pettis was on probation at the time of the incident. Court records state that he stole a gray Honda Civic from Indianapolis and began driving westbound on U.S. 40.

Avon Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop after confirming the vehicle had been reported stolen. Instead of stopping, Pettis fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit toward Plainfield.

Investigators say Pettis continued westbound at a dangerous rate of speed before entering the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, where he collided with a Ford Explorer carrying a family. The impact caused a catastrophic crash followed by a fire.

Victims Identified

Inside the Ford Explorer were two young children:

• Iris, just two months old, was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Ares, age three, suffered severe burns and later died at Riley Hospital for Children.

The children’s father, responding police officers, and a bystander were also injured while attempting to rescue the children from the burning vehicle.

Court Findings

Court documents reveal that Pettis admitted to stealing the vehicle, knowing police were attempting to stop him, and choosing to flee regardless. He also admitted to smoking marijuana shortly before the pursuit began.

Investigators reported that vehicle data showed no evidence of braking prior to the crash, indicating Pettis made no attempt to slow down before impact.

What Comes Next

Sentencing for Pettis is scheduled for February 9, 2026. Prosecutors have stated they intend to seek the maximum sentence allowed under Indiana law.

The case has drawn widespread attention across Hendricks County and the state, reigniting conversations about police pursuits, stolen vehicles, and accountability when innocent lives are lost.