Hit and Run Driver Located in Illinois
Vigo County—This afternoon at 1:48, Indiana State Police troopers responded to westbound Interstate 70 near the eight mile marker for a minor injury crash. The driver at fault fled the scene, but was later apprehended just inside the state of Illinois.
Preliminary investigation revealed a gray 2016 Nissan Versa, driven by 60-year-old Michelle Matteson of Charleston, IL., was westbound on I-70 and was suddenly struck in the rear by an unknown vehicle. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and continued westbound. Ms. Matteson was shaken and upset and could not provide a suspect vehicle description. Ms. Matteson was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Terre Haute Fire Department and released.
Minutes later at 2:36, Clark County Illinois Sheriff’s Office notified ISP Dispatch of a car fire on Old US 40 eastbound, just off I-70 exit 154 in Illinois. Illinois Department of Transportation workers who had been at the Indiana crash site, noticed the car fire and thought it might be related. A Clark County Sheriff’s deputy and an Illinois State Police trooper were sent to the scene and also believed the vehicle may have been involved in the Indiana hit and run crash near the 8mm. Officers took the alleged driver into custody and awaited arrival of Indiana State Police troopers. Marshall, Illinois Fire Department extinguished the fire which was thought to be accidental following the crash. The suspect vehicle was a 2002 Dodge.
Indiana State Police troopers took the 49-year-old Ohio woman to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for examination. She appeared to be experiencing health and emotional issues. Toxicology results are pending and information for potential charges will be filed through the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office at a later date.
The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Troy Cobb. Assisting were ISP Master Trooper Jason Owen, Sergeant Joe Watts, Terre Haute Fire/EMS, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, Clark County Illinois Sheriff’s Office, and Marshall, Illinois Fire Department.
Pictures from the different scenes attached.
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SGT. JOE WATTS
