MAN WHO DIED AFTER POLICE CHASE FEARED JAIL, SISTER SAYS

Michael Scott Ayers, 32, who police said shot himself in car, was being
sought on warrants.

A 32-year-old Indianapolis man who died Friday after leading State Police
on a chase through three counties had missed a court appearance and did not
want to go to jail, his sister said Saturday.

Michael Scott Ayers, 1600 block of North Tibbs Avenue, was pulled from his
car at 6:30 p.m. Friday after he shot himself, said Trooper Patrick
Spellman. Ayers was pronounced dead at Wishard Memorial Hospital.

A suicide note was found in his pocket, according to police.

Mooresville police did not provide information on the incident, saying it
is under investigation.

Police said the chase began at 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of Hansel
Parkway and Bethel Road in Mooresville after Ayers was reported for driving
recklessly.

Ayers fled east on Ind. 42 through Morgan County. He turned north on Ind.
37 and raced through Johnson County into Indianapolis. His car collided
with a number of vehicles before it crashed at the intersection of Ind. 37
and Epler Avenue.

Police said they believe Ayers shot himself in the head just before the crash.

Ayers' sister, Janelle Eanes, said her brother was afraid that a missed
court appearance would land him in jail.

State Police confirmed Saturday that Ayers was wanted on warrants charging
him with two counts of dealing in cocaine, one count of unlawful
residential entry and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

"He was a wonderful man, but had gotten in with the wrong crowd," Eanes said.

Ayers' dog, which was in the car when it crashed, was taken to the Animal
Control Division and will be adopted by one of Ayers' friends, Eanes said.

"If he doesn't take the dog, I will," she said.