Three cars damaged in accident on West Franklin

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The temporary distraction of a teen motorist caused a three-car accident near downtown Greencastle Sunday evening.

At 7:30 p.m., 17-year-old Wyatt Ellis of Greencastle was westbound on West Franklin Street in a 2003 Toyota Corolla.

Ellis told Greencastle Police Officer Brad Hiatt he became momentarily distracted just west of Madison Street and his car drifted to the right.

In doing so, the Toyota made heavy right front impact with the left rear of a parked 2004 Volkswagen Beetle parked in front of 305 W. Franklin St.

The impact pushed the 2004 Beetle into a 2000 Beetle parked in front of it.

The Volkswagens, both of which are registered to Chakara Myers of Greencastle, were legally parked in front of the residence.

Following the collision, the car Ellis was driving spun more more than a quarter of the way around and came to rest facing northeast, blocking both lanes of West Franklin Street.

Both the Toyota and the first Volkwagen were heavily damaged in the crash, with the left rear wheel of the Beetle actually detaching from the vehicle.

The Ellis car had to be towed from the scene. While the 2004 Beetle was not drivable, it was not towed since it was already parked at the owner’s residence.

The second Beetle only suffered cosmetic damage to the rear bumper.

Officer Hiatt estimated damage at $2,501-$5,00. No citations were issued as a result of the incident.