Hendricks County teen found injured, intoxicated along I-70 in Vigo County

TERRE HAUTE -- Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Clayton teenager who was found injured along the side of Interstate 70 early Saturday morning.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a report of an injured person found along the eastbound lanes of I-70 near the 12-mile marker. Passersby had reported the incident.

Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Featherling found 18-year-old David E. Halcomb injured and intoxicated, lying in a watery ditch approximately 50 feet south of the interstate.

The victim was treated at the scene by members of the Riley Fire/Rescue Department and Trans Care Ambulance Service and then taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

He was later transferred by ground ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of a lower left leg fracture.

Halcomb's intoxication level was .12 BAC.

Authoritiess believe Halcomb was one of two passengers in a vehicle driven by a friend. The trio is believed to have been traveling back to Hendricks County after an evening in Terre Haute.

During the return trip, an argument began inside the vehicle and resulted in Halcomb being left in the ditch.

As of Saturday morning, it was unclear whether Halcomb was forced from the vehicle or exited on his own while the vehicle was in motion.

Troopers have tentatively identified the friends who left the scene prior to their arrival.

The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available.

Assisting were troopers Brian Thomas and Don Curtis, the Vigo County Sheriff's Office, Riley Fire/Rescue Department and Trans Care Ambulance Service.