Bloomington - Just after 6:30 yesterday evening, off duty Trooper Justin Butler was traveling northbound on Rockport Road, just north of Coolidge Drive. A pedestrian identified as Jerry A. Doss, 51 of Bloomington was walking northbound, in the northbound lane of Rockport Road.
This particular stretch on Rockport Road near Coolidge Drive is not lit by street lights and it was raining in the area.
Due to the pedestrian walking in the traveled portion of the roadway, along with wearing all dark clothing, he was not immediately visible and was struck by the front of Trooper Butler's police vehicle. Trooper Butler immediately summoned assistance and administered emergency first aid to Doss while IU Health EMS responded to the scene.
Doss was transported to the IU Health Emergency Department and then later flown in stable condition to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment.
The crash is still under investigation. While there was no indication of alcohol use by Trooper Butler, it is standard protocol to administer a portable breath test in injury traffic crashes. The result of the test confirmed alcohol was not a factor for Trooper Butler.
It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were or were not a contributing factor for the pedestrian that was struck.
The Bloomington Police Department assisted at the scene.
Trooper Butler is an eight year veteran of the department assigned to the Bloomington State Police Post.
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