Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TROOPERS CARS STRUCK WHILE WORKING CRASHES




MARCH 1, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

The latest snow event in central Indiana can be costly if you happen to be one of the unfortunate drivers that crash their cars.  However, for two drivers in particular it’s going to cost more than just the bill for their car repair, court cost could also come into play.

Two Indiana State Police cars have been struck during the latest snow storm while the trooper’s have been investigating another crash. Fortunately no injuries were sustained as a result of these crashes.

Early this morning just before 1:00 a.m., Trooper Philip Cooley was working a property damage crash on I-465 WB at the 29.4 mm. Trooper Cooley was standing outside his car when a vehicle, independent of the crash he was working, lost control and struck his police car. Trooper Cooley was not injured.
The driver of the other vehicle, Antoine Dangerfield, was arrested for OWI Felony and remanded to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center.

 The second incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. this afternoon when Trooper John Perrine was investigating a property damage crash on I-65 NB on the ramp to 38th Street. (117.5mm) Trooper Perrine was in the right lane of the I-65 NB ramp to 38th street and traffic was passing slowly on the left. The violator, Crystal Ruiz, 27, of Indianapolis moved to the right lane lost control and struck the right rear of Perrine’s police car. Trooper Perrine stated he was “extremely sore” but he finished the crash he was working and completed his shift.

Ruiz was driving on a suspended license and was found to be wanted on an outstanding Marion County warrant for driving while suspended. She was arrested and transported to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center.
 Motorists are reminded that motorists are required to “move over” and proceed safely when emergency workers are on the side of the road. This is especially true when dangerous travel conditions exist such as snow covered roadways.  Slow down and give them room to work.