INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – An Indiana State Police trooper was hospitalized after being hit by a vehicle on Interstate 465 in Indianapolis early Saturday morning. The trooper was investigating a multi-vehicle crash on the south side of the city in a construction zone.
ISP says the trooper had been released from the hospital by Saturday afternoon. The trooper was outside the cruiser when a vehicle hit it, causing it to roll forward and hit him. Alcohol is a likely factor.
ISP released the following:
Early this morning, Saturday, October 19, 2024, at approximately 2:21 a.m., First Sergeant Todd Harless with the Indiana State Police was dispatched to the 1.5 mile marker on Interstate 465 eastbound to investigate a multi-vehicle crash with injury. This location is on the south side of Indianapolis in Marion County and is an active construction zone.
Harless’ marked 2017 Dodge Charger police car was positioned blocking the left lane of travel to protect the crash scene, and its emergency lights were fully activated.
At approximately 3:14 a.m., while investigating the crash, Harless was outside of his police car when a blue 2002 Honda Civic struck Harless’ police car. As a result of being struck by the Civic, the police car was pushed forward and struck Harless. Harless and the driver of the Civic were both transported to an area hospital with injuries sustained as a result of the crash.
Additional troopers responded to the scene of the crash involving the police car. During the investigation, troopers developed probable cause to believe the driver of the Civic was intoxicated due to alcoholic beverages. The driver of the Civic cooperated with the investigation and submitted to a blood draw in accordance with Indiana’s Implied Consent law. The results of the blood draw are pending.
At the time of this press release, Harless has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. The driver of the Civic remains in the hospital due to injuries sustained from the crash.
At the conclusion of the criminal investigation, all evidence and paperwork will be submitted the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their review for possible criminal charges.
Harless is a 33 year veteran of the Indiana State Police and is assigned to its General Headquarters and the Office of the Superintendent.
ISP was assisted by the Indianapolis Fire Department, IEMS, and INDOT.
All crimes mentioned in this release are alleged and all suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
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