Head-on collision results in one fatality on U.S. 36
BAINBRIDGE -- A Bainbridge woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 36 in Bainbridge on Wednesday afternoon.
Naomi Barker, 84, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which was just west of County Road 100 East near 1114 E. U.S. 36. The other driver, 28-year-old Jocelyn Pollard of Pittsboro, was transported via Operation Life to Hendricks Regional with non-life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigations by Sgt. Jon Chadd of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department and fellow deputies Lt. Donnie Pettit, Col. Tom Helmer and Deputy Josh Boller indicate that at approximately 1:13 p.m., Pollard's vehicle was traveling westbound on U.S. 36 when she noticed Barker driving left of center.
"She was left of center for some distance," explained Chadd. "The westbound vehicle (Pollard) was nearly stopped."
Chadd went on to explain that Barker's vehicle continued left of center and struck Pollard's 2007 Dodge Caliber head-on. She then continued to drive off the road on the north side, flipping her 2006 GMC Envoy.
"She just shot straight across," Chadd said. "Preliminary indications are that it was a medical issue prior to impact, but autopsy is scheduled to be performed tomorrow."
Pollard was talking and conscious at the scene before being transported to Hendricks Regional.
"She was talking and conscious," said Chadd. "It looked like lower extremity injuries, possibly a broken ankle."
Barker was a well-known resident in Bainbridge and a former Town Council member. She served on the council from January 2004 to the end of her term in 2011.
Barker was also the owner of Video Tan as well in the LaundryMat in Bainbridge.
Following the crash, INDOT workers kept the road closed for two-and-a-half hours before opening it just after 4 p.m.
Assisting at the scene were Roachdale Fire Department, Roachdale EMH, Operation Life, Bainbridge Fire Department, Indiana State Police and Bainbridge Police Department personnel.