Ripley County-Today at approximately 10:30 AM, the Indiana State Police and Ripley County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash on US 50, just east of Versailles in which the driver of the vehicle was found to be deceased.
Initial investigation revealed a 2004 Chevrolet S-10 being operated by Christopher S. Crabtree, 42, Dillsboro, Indiana was traveling westbound on US 50 approaching Versailles. The vehicle left the right side of the roadway before striking an embankment and coming to rest on the edge of the roadway. Crabtree was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner’s Office. Further investigation determined that Crabtree suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. It is not known at this time whether the gunshot wound occurred before or after the crash. The investigation, which is being conducted by Trp. Ben Bastin, is ongoing. Toxicology results are pending. Family has been notified.
US 50, just east of Versailles, was closed for approximately three hours while the incident was investigated.
Trp. Bastin was assisted at the scene by other officers with the Indiana State Police and Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County EMS, Versailles Fire Department, Ripley County Coroner’s Office, and DL Towing.
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Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
