Lake Station/Lake County: An Indiana State Trooper was seriously injured in a crash this morning on I-80 when he failed to slow for another vehicle in the center lane.
Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Lionel Douglas revealed that a Trooper Jacob Raupp, age 26 and a three (3) year veteran of the Indiana State Police was westbound on I-80 at the 15.7 mile marker (this is just west of the exit to the Toll Road). Raupp was traveling in the center lane approaching other traffic that had slowed for unknown reason(s). Raupp’s vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe full marked police car, struck the rear of a 2001 International semi that was pulling an empty flatbed trailer owned by Circle W Inc. Trucking located in Center Missouri. The driver of the semi, Terry D. Shaw (age 51 of Hannibal, Missouri) was not injured in the crash.
Trooper Raupp had to be extricated from his police car. He was airlifted from the scene to Christ Advocate Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL for serious injuries. (Family notified) Trooper Raupp is assigned to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Division.
The interstate was closed for reconstruction of the crash, airlifting of the patient and vehicle removal/cleanup. All lanes east bound have been reopened. The right lane of the west bound was reopened at 11:38 a.m.
Agencies assisting were the Lake Station E.M.S., Lake Station Fire, Lake Station Police, INDOT Hoosier Helpers, Lake County Sheriff, and Waffco Towing.
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Fifield/Wojas
Pictures 1,2 and 3 are of the crash scene
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
