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Vigo County

6 Year-old girl Lifelined to Riley Hospital after ATV crash July 4th

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Tuesday, July 4, 2017, 6:28 PM

Rosedale, Ind. – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an ATV crash involving a six year-old girl. She suffered serious chest injuries and was taken by ambulance to Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She was later flown to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

The girl was operating a 3 wheel ATV when she failed to negotiate a turn and drove the ATV over a steep embankment, approximately 20 feet down, into a creek. The girl was pinned under the ATV for a short time until her mother lifted it and removed her. The girl was wearing a helmet which was slightly damaged.

The 911 call was placed to the Vigo County Central Dispatch Center at 2:01 p.m. The crash occurred on Valley View Lane near Rosedale, Indiana.

The machine was a 1985, red, Honda, 80cc, 3 wheel ATV.

Responding agencies: Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Otter Creek Fire Department, and Trans-Care Ambulance service and Indiana Conservation Officers.

Sent by Indiana DNR Law Enforcement District 5

Danny J. Elkins, 53, Hit By Truck While Riding Scooter

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/08/2017 11:54 AM EDT

Vigo County — This morning at 8:30, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a truck versus scooter crash in the northbound lanes of 11800 South US 41. This is near Pimento Circle and was in front of the Boot City Store.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2013 Ford F350 truck, driven by 18-year-old Brock E. Megenhardt of Coal City, IN., was northbound in the driving lane of US 41 approaching Pimento Circle, when a car in front of Megenhardt moved into the passing lane, suddenly revealing a slow moving 2011 Taotao brand scooter, driven by 53-year-old Danny J. Elkins of West Terre Haute, IN. Megenhardt’s vehicle then struck the Elkins scooter in the rear, ejecting Elkins onto the roadway.

Elkins was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for the treatment of shoulder and back injuries. He was wearing a helmet which most likely reduced the severity of his injuries and possibly saved his life.

Drugs/alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Courtland Woodruff. Assisting were ISP Lt. Mark Tow and Master Troopers Ritch Reynolds and Matt Ames, ISP Motor Carrier Inspector Donald Aldrich, Honey Creek Fire/Rescue, and Trans Care EMS.

The attached picture of the scooter was after the crash, but not at the scene.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Layla Raines, 15, Dies after being Struck Retrieving a Ball

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 05/31/2017 08:12 PM EDT

Clay County—The Indiana State Police and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office have officially identified the teenage victim from this afternoon’s van versus pedestrian crash on State Road 246, just west of SR 159.

She has been identified as 15-year-old Layla Raines of Jasonville, IN. Her family has been aware from the onset.

The crash occurred in Clay County, but because she succumbed to her traumatic injuries at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, the coroner’s jurisdiction lies with Vigo County Coroner’s Office.

The Indiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, but it appears she walked or ran into the path of an eastbound 2009 Nissan van, driven by 39-year-old Stephen D. Agee of Jasonville, IN., to retrieve a recreational ball that had traveled south across SR 246 from a nearby yard.

The investigation is ongoing by ISP Detective Michael Featherling and ISP Crash Reconstructionist Sergeant Jim Cody.

Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 05/31/2017 03:48 PM EDT

Clay County—This afternoon at 12:38, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a car versus pedestrian crash in front of a residence on State Road 246 just west of SR 159. The crash resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.

Preliminary investigation revealed a maroon 2009 Nissan Quest van, driven by 39-year-old Stephen D. Agee of Jasonville, IN. was eastbound on SR 246, when a 15-year-old female traveled south from a residence across SR 246 and into his path. The right front of the van impacted the young girl causing traumatic injuries. She was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment but later succumbed there to her injuries. The teenager was reportedly attempting to retrieve a recreational ball that strayed south from the yard across SR 246. She was a visitor to the nearby home.

The crash is being investigated by ISP Detective Michael Featherling. Assisting personnel was ISP Crash Reconstructionist and Crime Scene Investigator Sergeant Jim Cody, Sergeant Joe Watts, and Senior Trooper Bill Bradbury, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Coroner’s Office, Jasonville Police, Lewis Township Fire/Rescue, and CARE EMS.

The investigation is ongoing and drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be a factor. Once complete, the information will be submitted to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office for a standard review.

The family has been notified. Name of deceased is not yet being released, pending coroner’s official identification process. Possibly within 24 hours.

Direct any media questions to Sergeant Joe Watts.

Scene pictures attached. One is ISP Detective Michael Featherling photographing the scene. The other is the Nissan van.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Four Killed in in Three Vehicle Crash on I-70 Saturday

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Saturday, May 13, 2017, 10:53 PM

Vigo County — Late Saturday afternoon at 4:48, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a three-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the four-mile marker. The crash involved two semis and one passenger car with three fatalities in the car and one fatality in a tractor-trailer driver, all deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed fire department units and tow recovery units were working a small tractor-trailer brake fire on the eastbound shoulder of Interstate 70 near the four-mile marker. Traffic was moving slowly for the fire units working the scene, when suddenly an eastbound tractor-trailer failed to slow and struck a passenger car in the rear, forcing the passenger car into the rear of another tractor-trailer. During the initial collision, the car erupted in flames and the occupants were deceased at the scene. The tractor-trailer driver who failed to slow was also pronounced deceased at the scene from his injuries. The second tractor-trailer driver was identified as 49-year-old Eric C. Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas and he was not injured. Identities of all deceased victims will take some time. Troopers believe the three occupants in the car may be from Indiana and the deceased tractor-trailer driver may be from Michigan.

Eastbound lanes were closed after crash with eastbound traffic utilizing US 40 or another route of their choice. Most likely, it will be the early morning hours before the eastbound lanes are open. Cleanup and extrication efforts for semi driver are still ongoing at this time.

The crash is being investigated by ISP Master Trooper Jason Schoffstall.

Others assisting were ISP Putnamville Troopers, ISP Crash Reconstructionists, ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Coroner’s Office, Terre Haute Fire Department, Sugar Creek Fire/Rescue, Seelyville Fire/Rescue, Honey Creek Fire/Rescue, Otter Creek Fire/Rescue, Riley Fire/EMS, Vigo County Hazmat Team, IDEM, and Peffley and Hinshaw Wrecker Service.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Jason Donovan, 40, Rolls Stolen Vehicle while Attempting to Elude State Trooper

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Friday, April 28, 2017, 7:33 AM

Vigo County — Last night at 5:28, Indiana State Police Trooper Courtland Woodruff was patrolling eastbound on State Road 246 approximately one mile west of All Street when he spotted a westbound 2001 Oldsmobile four-door traveling at 78 miles-per-hour in a 55mph zone.

As Trooper Woodruff turned around to catch up to the vehicle, the driver sped away reaching speeds of approximately 100mph. In doing so, the westbound Oldsmobile became airborne over the RR tracks located just east of US 41 causing the driver to lose control as he passed westbound through the US 41 intersection eventually rolling over.

The combative driver, 40-year-old Jason Donovan of Sullivan, IN., was detained at the scene by Trooper Woodruff and Indiana State Excise Police officers Captain Bill Turner and Corporal Emily Turner, then transported by Trans Care EMS to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. After treatment, Donovan was incarcerated in the Vigo County J ail.

Preliminary charges are: Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated-Refusal; Resisting Law Enforcement; Receiving Stolen Auto Parts; Reckless Driving; and numerous other traffic violations.

The 2001 Oldsmobile was reported stolen on April 14, 2017, from the city of Sullivan, IN.

Assisting Trooper Courtland Woodruff were ISP Sergeant Chris Wright, Indiana State Excise Police, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Trans Care EMS, and Linton Township Fire/Rescue.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Mica Littlejohn, 17, of Brazil, Ind., and 2 Other Teens Involved in Rollover Crash on I-70

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Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 10:52 AM

Vigo County – Last night at 9:00, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a one-vehicle rollover crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 15 mile marker. The crash sent three 17-year-old females to Terre Haute Regional Hospital with what was believed to be non-life threatening injuries. All three were wearing seatbelts and air bags were deployed; most definitely reducing injuries and preventing the loss of life.

Preliminary investigation revealed a white Mitsubishi Galant, driven by 17-year-old Mica Littlejohn of Brazil, IN., was eastbound on I-70 near the 15mm, when she traveled over the right edge rumble strips. In doing so, she overcorrected and traveled into the median eventually rolling end over end and coming to rest on its top.

A passing semi driver noticed the vehicle on its top and what appeared to be smoke coming from the vehicle. He called 911 and went to assist the young females until arrival of emergency agencies.

The young driver was reportedly late for an appointment and speed appears to have been a factor.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Brad Fyfe. Assisting were Riley Fire/Rescue/EMS and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office.

No other information is available. No tickets issued.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Jimmy Byess, 45, of Gulfport, Mississippi, Arrested in Vigo County on Warrant Violation

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Monday, April 24, 2017, 2:02 PM

Vigo County – Last night at 9:00, Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division troopers were conducting routine inspections at the eastbound Interstate 70 Scale Facility near the Illinois state line.

During an inspection of a Peterbuilt tractor, pulling a flatbed loaded with building materials, and driven by 45-year-old Jimmy Byess of Gulfport, Mississippi, troopers found that Byess was wanted on warrant for probation violation related to dangerous drugs. Senior Trooper Brent Hoover was placing Byess into custody for the warrant, when Byess complained of a medical emergency. Senior Trooper Hoover radioed for EMS assistance and Sugar Creek Fire/Rescue and Riley Fire/Rescue/EMS responded. Prior to the arrival of the fire/EMS units, Senior Trooper Hoover and Master Trooper Matt Ames provided medical aid for Byess. He was initially treated at the scene and then transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital where he was admitted for testing and observation.

Byess was released from the hospital this afternoon and transported to the Vigo County Jail.

The warrant was from the Department of Corrections for the State of Mississippi.

The arrest was made by ISP CVED Senior Trooper Brent Hoover. Assisting were ISP CVED Master Trooper Matt Ames, Sugar Creek Fire/Rescue, and Riley Fire/EMS.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Possible Brake Malfunction Sends 7-year-old into Path of Van in Vigo County

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Vigo County—This afternoon around 3:00, Indiana State Police and Terre Haute Fire/Rescue/EMS units responded to the area of 18th and Farrington Streets in Terre Haute for a bicycle versus van collision. One child was transported for injuries.

Preliminary investigation revealed a seven-year-old boy was southbound in an alleyway approaching Farrington Street. The boy is alleged to have applied his brakes, but a possible brake malfunction caused his bicycle to not stop, and sent him into the path of a westbound on Farrington Street, 2005 Chrysler van, driven by 60-year-old Mary R. Kidwell of Terre Haute, IN. Upon impact, the young rider was thrown from the bike prior to the van traveling over the bicycle. The young boy was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for a possible fractured leg and other injuries, believed to be non-life threatening. He was not wearing a safety helmet, but he is not required to. Ms. Kidwell appeared to not have adequate time to properly brake as the bicyclist suddenly appeared in her path.

Drugs and alcohol were not a factor and no citations were issued.

His parents were notified and are with him at this time.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Courtland Woodruff. Assisting were Terre Haute Fire/Rescue/EMS units.

Pictures from the scene are attached.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Devin R. Snyder, 29, of Jackson, New Jersey, Strikes Electronic Construction Zone Sign on I-70

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Monday, April 17, 2017, 6:27 PM

Vigo County – This afternoon at 12:29, Indiana State Police and Terre Haute City Fire/Rescue/Paramedic units responded to a one-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the eight-mile marker.

Preliminary investigation revealed an eastbound 2014 Subaru, driven by 29-year-old Devin R. Snyder of Jackson, New Jersey, failed to slow or merge at the entrance to the construction zone and struck an electronic sign indicating traffic was merging to one lane.

Snyder was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital on suspicion of a fractured wrist and abdominal pain. Driver fatigue is believed to have been a contributing factor in this crash. Snyder was cited for Failure to Yield to a Traffic Control Device.

The crash was investigated by ISP Detective Michael Featherling. Assisting were ISP Master Trooper Jason Owen and the city of Terre Haute Fire/Rescue/Paramedic units.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53

Flatbed Loaded with pipe crashed in Vigo County Wednesday; No Injuries Reported

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Vigo County – Last evening at 5:00, Indiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the seven-mile marker. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2017 Kenworth tractor, pulling a flatbed loaded with pipe, driven by 39-year-old Christopher D. Harbor of Wagoner, Ok., was eastbound and failed to slow for traffic near a construction zone. The tractor-trailer struck the rear of a camper trailer being pulled by a 2005 Chevrolet pickup and driven by 68-year-old Rodney D. Evans of Lake Odessa, MI.

During the initial collision, pipe from the tractor-trailer came loose and was strewn about the interstate and median. The pipe and wreckage were cleared by Peffley and Hinshaw Wrecker Service. The trucking company was Champion Truck Lines of Tulsa, OK.

The eastbound lanes were closed at 5:10, left lane only open at 5:28, all lanes open at 7:39.

Christopher Harbor was cited for Following Too Close.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Courtland Woodruff. Assisting were ISP troopers Kyle Hall, Brad Fyfe, and Michael Featherling.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police – Putnamville District 53