DES MOINES — Jordan Douglas Deaton, a 27-year-old man from this city, died early Thursday after the car he was driving crashed during a police pursuit on a busy stretch of University Avenue, authorities confirmed. It is the first fatality of the year being investigated by the Des Moines Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
Just after 12:15 a.m., officers were watching activity near 21st Street and Forest Avenue, an area recently linked to illegal firearm and drug concerns. When a vehicle pulled away and began committing traffic violations, officers tried to stop it. Instead of slowing down, the driver sped off, initiating a chase that would end in tragedy.
Police said the vehicle went east on University Avenue at high speed. In the moments that followed, Deaton lost control of the car, crossed over the median and slid across the westbound lanes before smashing into a tree in the 1400 block of University Avenue. Witnesses later described the scene as chaotic with emergency crews rushing to help.
First responders arrived quickly, but Deaton was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only person inside the vehicle, and no officers or other drivers were hurt in the crash. The Des Moines Police Department officially identified him on Friday after notifying his family.
University Avenue is one of Des Moines’ most traveled east-west roads. It links residential neighborhoods with shopping districts and downtown — and overnight traffic here has a long history of speeding and serious collisions. Locals tell reporters the stretch where Deaton’s crash happened is especially daunting when cars race past in the dark.
Police have not released many specifics about the chase itself, including how long it lasted or exactly what violations officers first saw. They also haven’t said whether speed, alcohol, drugs or impairment played a role. Dashcam and body camera footage have not yet been shared with the public.
The department said the fatal incident remains under active investigation. In addition to the traffic probe, an internal review and a crash reconstruction analysis are underway to piece together how the events unfolded. Updates will be released as more information becomes available.
University Avenue’s heavy use by commuters, residents and businesses makes safety a top priority for law enforcement and community leaders alike. Police say they must balance aggressive enforcement with public protection, especially during late hours. As the investigation continues, the focus has turned to how a routine traffic stop turned into a deadly loss for a young man and his family.
