Impaired semi driver causes traffic back-up on Interstate 70

Benjamin Polk, 32, Indianapolis, was driving a 2021 Freightliner westbound on I-70 near the 32-mile marker when he attempted to pass a 2015 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer driven by Jean Cadet, 37, of State College, Pa. Polk ran into the rear of Cadet’s semi, sideswiping it. He then overcorrected, causing his semi to tip over onto the driver’s side.

Indiana State Police photo

PUTNAMVILLE -- Troopers from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and other first responders were dispatched near the 32-mile marker westbound on Interstate 70 after an accident involving two commercial motor vehicles at approximately 11:25 a.m. Thursday.

The preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Bill Bradbury revealed that Benjamin Polk, 32, Indianapolis, was driving a 2021 Freightliner westbound on I-70 in the passing lane near the 32-mile marker.

Polk was attempting to pass a 2015 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer driven by Jean Cadet, 37, of State College, Pa., when he ran into the rear of Cadet’s semi, sideswiping it. Polk overcorrected, causing his semi to tip over onto the driver’s side.

Cadet immediately applied his brakes as Polk’s overturned semi continued sliding westbound, eventually coming to rest in front of Cadet’s stopped semi.

After coming to a stop, Polk immediately climbed out of the passenger side window and attempted to flee from the accident scene. Correctional officers from a transport vehicle observed Polk running and were able to apprehend him until troopers could arrive at the accident scene.

Upon Trooper Bradbury’s arrival on the scene, he spoke to Polk and immediately detected signs of intoxication. Polk refused to submit to any field sobriety test or to a certified chemical test.

Polk was then transported to Putnam County Hospital due to a complaint of pain. Once cleared medically, Polk was transported to the Putnam County Jail where he was incarcerated. No other injuries were reported.

Preliminary charges for Polk are operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor, and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, a Class C misdemeanor.

Bradbury was assisted at the crash scene by several troopers of the Putnamville Post, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Wrecker Service and Putnam County EMS.

I-70 westbound was reduced to one lane for cleanup for approximately three hours.