Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) released a detailed account Sunday of a Saturday‑early morning traffic stop that quickly escalated into a pursuit and arrest, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Incident timeline
At approximately 12:26 a.m., an FWPD officer observed a blue SUV traveling northbound on Lafayette Street near Hanna Street. The vehicle repeatedly flashed its headlights on and off before proceeding with both headlights and taillights off, violating state traffic‑safety requirements.
The officer attempted to stop the SUV at the intersection of Lafayette and Paulding streets, but the driver ignored the command and continued northward. The officer then activated the siren near Lafayette and Petit streets. The SUV stopped briefly at a red light, ran the red, and kept traveling without any lights.
With emergency lights and siren engaged, the officer pursued the suspect. The vehicle finally halted abruptly at Dewald and Barr streets. The driver put the SUV in reverse, exited the vehicle, and fled on foot. The SUV rolled backward, striking the FWPD patrol car that had stopped behind it.
Officer backup arrived quickly, and the suspect was apprehended in the 300 block of Butler Street, where additional officers were already attempting to take him into custody. A brief struggle ensued before officers placed the suspect in handcuffs.
Suspect information and charges
The individual was identified as 45‑year‑old Rahiem Shawn Kubisty, a Fort Wayne resident. A routine Bureau of Motor Vehicles records check revealed Kubisty is a habitual traffic violator. He was taken to Lutheran Downtown Hospital for medical clearance and then transferred to the Allen County Jail.
Kubisty faces preliminary charges for operating a vehicle without required lights, failure to obey a police officer, reckless driving, and fleeing the scene. FWPD reported that three officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Department response
In its initial response Saturday, FWPD acknowledged community concerns raised by the video and pledged a full review of the incident’s context. The department emphasized that video footage may not capture every detail before, during, or after an encounter.
The pursuit and arrest remain under investigation by the FWPD Internal Affairs Division and the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The department invited anyone with additional video or information to contact FWPD at 260‑427‑1222.
Community impact
Fort Wayne residents expressed a mix of concern and appreciation for the officers’ swift action to protect public safety. The department’s transparent update reflects its commitment to accountability while reinforcing the importance of obeying traffic laws for the safety of all road users.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
