North Vernon-Early this morning, at approximately 4:30 am, two Jennings County Sheriff’s Department police vehicles were involved in a crash which sent both deputies to hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
The initial investigation by Trooper James Herbert indicated that both deputies were patrolling the area of State Road 750 near O and M Avenue while looking for a possible reckless driver. Reserve Deputy Jason Littrell, age 34, was operating a 2007 fully marked Dodge Charger police vehicle westbound on State Road 750. Dep. Littrell pulled to the shoulder of State Road 750 and then attempted to make a u-turn to travel back eastbound on State Road 750. Dep. Littrell’s vehicle pulled in to the path of a 2012 fully marked Dodge Charger police vehicle driven by Deputy Thomas Mellencamp, age 24, that was traveling westbound on State Road 750. The front of Dep. Mellencamp’s vehicle struck the rear driver’s side of Dep. Littrell’s vehicle.
As a result of the collision, Dep. Mellencamp was transported to Jennings County St. Vincent Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries. Dep. Littrell was transported to Jennings County St. Vincent before being transferred to St. Vincent-Indianapolis by medical helicopter for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The investigation of the crash is ongoing.
Trp. Herbert was assisted by the North Vernon Police Department, North Vernon Fire Department, Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, and Jennings County EMS-Rescue 20.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
