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Inman, other first responders meet child saved in May crash
DANVILLE — God was in the back seat with Lukas Couch-Henderson.
That is what his grandmother Tammy Stanley said about how the 10-month-old has recuperated after a tragic incident which occurred near Coatesville on May 13.
Off duty at the time, Greencastle Police Capt. Charles “Skip” Inman was on State Road 75 heading to Danville for a doctor’s appointment when he saw a dump truck off the side of the roadway. He then saw a Toyota Corolla which had heavy front-end damage and was on fire.
Inman then stopped, grabbed a fire extinguisher from his police car and ran to the wrecked vehicle with another Good Samaritan. Others from Commercial Star Lawn Mowers nearby also came to help.
With him still inside, Lukas was pulled from the car. Inman notified Putnam County Dispatch, which then alerted Hendricks County Dispatch. The Coatesville Volunteer Fire Department and Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene soon after. The Amo Volunteer Fire Department, Danville Fire Department and the Indiana State Police also assisted.
Lukas’ mother, Alyssa Couch, 27, Coatesville, succumbed to her injuries. Meanwhile, St. Vincent StatFlight, which was returning to Putnam County Regional Airport from Plainfield, diverted to take Lukas to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
“To be quite honest, working in town, we don’t see accidents like this,” Inman told the Banner Graphic. “It’s one of those calls that will always stick with me. I walked away wanting to do more.”
Both of Lukas’ femurs were fractured in the crash. He also suffered a skull fracture, a fractured wrist and brain bleeds. Though he has had some seizures, it is expected that he will make a full recovery.
Inman has been in touch with a detective from the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office to keep tabs on how Lukas has been doing. Inman also emphasized how fellow first responders reached out to him after the incident.
Lukas’ father Mark Henderson later met StatFlight Flight Paramedic Kerri Keyt at National Night Out on Aug. 2. He told her that he wanted to meet those who were at the scene.
Inman, as well as police officers and firefighters from Hendricks County who responded to the crash, finally got to see Lukas and connect with Stanley and Henderson Sunday morning.
The gathering was highlighted by hugs and Lukas playing with a new toy. However, it was ultimately an opportunity for Lukas’ father and grandmother to express their gratitude to those who helped save his life.
Inman said he did not want to “miss it for the world” when he was asked to be there.
“It’ll be neat to watch him over the years, and hopefully we can keep in contact with the family and see his progress,” he said. “I’m just glad we were able to do this.”
