Hit-and-run semi driver arrested on I-70 in Putnam County

Monday, February 5, 2018

CLOVERDALE -- A Canadian semi driver, who reportedly left the scene of an Interstate 70 accident that injured a teenage driver late Saturday night, was arrested in Putnam County, Indiana State Police at Putnamville reported.

The incident unfolded about 11:30 p.m. Saturday near the State Road 46 exit in the eastbound lanes of I-70 in Vigo County.

Indiana State Police Trooper Brad Fyfe's preliminary investigation revealed a white 2016 Volvo tractor pulling a semi-trailer, driven by 28-year-old Harjot Singh of Alberta, Canada, was following a 2008 Chrysler van, driven by Gabriella Waltz, 18, of Paris, Ill.

As the van slowed near the exit, the tractor-trailer struck the vehicle in the rear and continued on without stopping, along eastbound I-70, State Police said.

An off-duty, out-of-state police officer continued to follow the semi after the crash and report the suspect's location via 911.

Minutes later, near the 35-mile marker, six miles west of Cloverdale, Troopers Courtland Woodruff, David Cox Jr. and Austin Fowler, located and stopped the suspect tractor-trailer.

Singh, who was driving for Blue Ocean Freight of Ontario, Canada, was taken into custody for leaving the scene of a personal injury crash and incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail.

Waltz was transported to Terre Haute Union Hospital for treatment of head, neck and internal injuries and hospitalized.

Two passengers in the Waltz vehicle, a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old, were not injured nor cited.

The crash investigation is being conducted by ISP Trooper Fyfe. Trooper Woodruff handled the arrest of Singh.

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