Two airlifted after one-car crash

A Greencastle teen faces criminal charges following an early Thursday crash that left two people in critical condition in Indianapolis hospitals.

Dennise L. Smetzer, 37, Stilesville, was airlifted via Air Evac helicopter to Wishard Memorial Hospital with extensive head trauma. Her daughter, Susan Tincher, 20, Greencastle, was airlifted to Methodist Hospital with severe head trauma and leg injuries. Both women remained hospitalized later Thursday morning.

Chief Deputy Doug Nally of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department reports that the women were passengers in a Pontiac Grand Prix driven by William Tyler Fox, 17, Greencastle. Fox sustained head injuries in the 2:54 a.m. accident, but was treated at Putnam County Hospital and released into the custody of his grandparents.

Nally reports that Fox was driving too fast when the car approached a 90-degree turn on CR 450 East just north of CR 900 South (Beagle Club Road). The car went through the turn and hit a tree head-on.

Smetzer, who was riding in the back seat, was thrown into the windshield of the car. Tincher was a front seat passenger.

Nally stated that alcohol consumption was a factor for all three occupants of the car. A blood-alcohol test was administered to Fox, who is already on probation, the chief deputy said. The results of blood-alcohol tests for Smetzer and Tincher are pending.

Following the crash, Fox walked to a nearby residence to call for help. Both medical helicopters landed in a bean field near the scene.

Nally said that Fox faces criminal charges of driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and minor in consumption. Additional charges could be filed if one of the passengers dies.

Assisting Nally at the crash site were Deputy Gregg Slover, three ambulance crews from Operation, along with the Cloverdale Township and Jefferson Township fire departments.