Indianapolis - Troopers from the Indianapolis District have been very busy today as a result of the first snowfall of the year. The Indianapolis District includes Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Hendricks and Boone Counties. As of 2:00 p.m. Troopers had responded to more than 140 calls for service today. Of those calls 52 were crashes that resulted in damage to property, 14 other crashes resulted in injuries to one or more of the participants. Although several people were transported to the hospital today, there were no reports of serious injuries. 53 calls were for vehicles that slid off the roadway and 13 vehicles were reported as disabled.
Two Indiana State Police Vehicles were struck in separate incidents along the interstate while investigating crashes. The first occurred on I-465 near the 10.5 mile marker on the west side at 7:29 a.m. Trooper Jacob Wildauer was blocking the far left lane with his patrol car while investigating a single vehicle crash. All emergency lighting was activated, Trooper Wildauer and the driver of the vehicle were both seated inside the car awaiting a tow truck. A black 2005 Chevrolet Impala, driven by 22 year old Jasmine Johnson of Indianapolis, was driving southbound on I-465 approaching the crash scene. She told investigators she was driving approximately 50 miles per hour when the vehicle in front of her began to slow down. She said she hit her brakes and lost control causing her to strike the police vehicle. Johnson was driving on a suspended learners permit with previous suspensions on her record. She was cited for driving while suspended with a previous conviction, learners permit violations, failure to provide proof of insurance and speed too fast for weather conditions. Her vehicle was impounded and she was released from the scene. Nobody was injured as a result of this crash.
The second Indiana State Police Vehicle was struck on I-69 northbound near 96th Street around 8:00 a.m. Capitol Police Sergeant Kellen Murphy was off duty on his way home from work when he stopped to check on two vehicle’s that had slid off of the interstate into the ditch. While assisting those vehicles, with his emergency lights activated, a north bound 1996 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 25 year old Lance Hart, spun out of control and struck the driver’s side mirror of Murphy’s patrol car. That driver was cited for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and released from the scene.
The Indiana State Police received assistance from many emergency services today, Fire Departments, local and county police departments, INDOT, Hoosier Helpers, and several tow and recovery companies. This coordinated effort increases safety for Indiana motorists and undoubtedly saves lives.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind you of the following winter driving tips
-Reduce Speed, you never know what is over the next hill crest or around the next curve.
- Don't tailgate, allow more room than usual between yourself and the car ahead of you. Prepare for sudden stops that may require an increased stopping distance due to slick roads. By increasing following distance you also increase your visibility of potential hazards ahead of you.
-Allow extra travel time, leave early for your destination and only travel if it is absolutely necessary.
-If you are involved in a minor crash, move vehicles from the roadway or to the next exit. Stay seated inside your vehicle until police arrive.
-If you chose to be a Good Samaritan and offer help to someone who is stranded or stuck, be sure you can do it without endangering yourself or other motorists. Do not attempt to block any part of the roadway with your vehicle to pull somebody out of a ditch. If there is any question about safety, contact the police.
-Be sure your vehicle is prepared. Check your tire pressure, fill your gas tank, check all your lights, clear snow and ice from all of your windows and equip your vehicle with an emergency kit.
*Attached photo is Trooper Jacob Wildauer's patrol car that was struck alongside I-465 on the west side this morning.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
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Perrine
