Bartholomew County-Yesterday evening, at approximately 7:10 pm, the Indiana State Police and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two vehicle crash on I-65 southbound near the 58.5 mile marker which injured five people in one vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was arrested for operating while intoxicated.
The initial investigation by Trooper Korry Clark indicated that a 2011 Hyundai Sonata being driven by Bryan Davis, age 39, Columbus, Indiana was traveling southbound on I-65 near the 58.5 mile marker when his vehicle struck the rear of a 2015 Kia SUV being driven by Brian Dayharsh, age 51, Coatesville, Indiana that was also traveling southbound on I-65. The force of the collision forced both vehicles off the roadway, causing Dayharsh’s vehicle to roll and come to rest upright off the roadway.
Dayharsh along with his four daughters, who were traveling to Florida for spring break, were all injured in the crash. Dayharsh along with daughters Natalie, age 14, Daniella, age 9, and Evelyn, age 6, were all transported to Columbus Regional Hospital with complaints of pain. A final passenger, Cassie, age 12, was initially trapped in the vehicle before being transported by medical helicopter to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for additional evaluation. All injuries sustained are believed to be non-life threatening.
Davis was not injured in the crash but showed signs of intoxication after the collision. Davis was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where he submitted to a blood draw. He was also evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department before he was arrested by Trooper Clark for operating while intoxicated. The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police had received multiple reports of Davis’ vehicle driving erratically prior to the crash occurring. Davis was charged with operating while intoxicated. The charges are pending with the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.
The right lane of I-65 was closed in the area of the crash for approximately one and a half hours while the crash was investigated. Both lanes were closed for a short time for the medical helicopter to land.
Trp. Clark was assisted by other troopers with the Indiana State Police, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Wayne Township Fire Department, Columbus Regional EMS, Jackson County EMS, Lifeline Helicopter, and 31 Wrecker Service.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
