Update on Fatal Motorcyclist Collision with Indiana State Police Patrol Car
Portage, Porter County
Indiana State Police are investigating a fatal crash on July 1st, 2016 at 9:30 PM. The crash occurred along the Indiana Toll Road just west of the Portage toll plaza.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Ala’a Hamed revealed that on July 1, 2016 at 9:30P.M. a 2013 BMW S1000RR motorcycle, traveling westbound on Interstate 90 near the 23 mile marker, which is just west of the Portage Toll Plaza, struck the passenger side of a white 2010 Ford Crown Victoria (fully marked) Indiana State Police patrol car. The patrol car was being driven by Trooper Jathan Rose of the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. Trooper Rose was in the process of making a U-Turn when the motorcycle impacted the passenger side of his patrol car. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Following the crash, Trooper Rose exited his vehicle and located the downed motorcyclist in the roadway. Trooper Rose began giving chest compressions and continued until he was relieved by Trooper Jordan Steptoe. Portage EMS arrived on scene at 9:39 P. M. and transported Portage Community hospital. The motorcycle driver died of his injuries after being transported from the scene.
At this time, the identity of the driver of the motorcycle is being withheld pending the notification of family of the deceased.
Westbound lanes of the Toll Road were closed at 9:30 P.M. for investigation of the crash. All lanes were reopened at 2:24 A.M.
Initial investigation indicates that the motorcyclist’s driver’s license was suspended. Additionally, the motorcycle was not registered.
Assisting: Captain Keith Kopinski, Sergeants Chad Woody, and Jeffery Dolson, Senior Trooper Lawrence Mcfarrin, Troopers O’Bryan Winfield, Ken Watkins, Ala’a Hamed, Jordan Steptoe, Trent Jones and Master Trooper Michael Robinson, Double T Towing, Portage EMS.
--Update--
The motorcycle was driven by Michael M. Damore, 28, of Highland, Indiana. Family of the deceased has been notified by the Porter County Coroner.
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Trooper Eric Rot 8635
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
