A tragic accident occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, on Indianapolis’s northeast side when a vehicle carrying a father and his two young children plunged into a retention pond. The crash happened near the interchange of Interstate 465 and Pendleton Pike, shortly after midnight, leaving one dead and two hospitalized.
The driver, 28‑year‑old Dechon Sims, was behind the wheel when his vehicle veered off Pendleton Way and entered the frigid water. His two children, a nine‑year‑old boy and an eight‑year‑old girl, were passengers. The sudden submersion created a desperate race against time as temperatures hovered near freezing.
Four officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded quickly to the scene. Without hesitation, they entered the icy pond to reach the submerged vehicle. Their courageous actions brought Sims and both children to shore, despite the dangerous conditions and darkness.
Once recovered, emergency responders discovered that Sims and his daughter were in cardiac arrest. CPR was immediately initiated while the boy, though conscious, showed signs of hypothermia and shock. Indianapolis Fire Department personnel then transported all three victims to nearby hospitals for urgent care.
Sims was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. His daughter, who had been unresponsive at the scene, was stabilized following treatment. The boy was also treated and reported to be in stable condition. The survival of the children was credited to the rapid response of police and fire crews.
The incident has left the community mourning the loss of a young father while rallying around his children. Investigators are reviewing the circumstances of the crash, but for now, attention remains on supporting the family and recognizing the bravery of first responders who risked their lives to save others.