Driver stopped for speeding hurt in wreck two hours later

A 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by Rohn T. Smith, 23, Brazil, is a total loss after a one-car accident late Wednesday on U.S. 40 near County Road 500 West in Putnam County. Smith was injured in the 11:45 p.m. accident and transported to Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, with reported chest injuries.

MANHATTAN -- A Clay County man who had been stopped by Indiana State Police and warned about speeding earlier in the evening was injured late Wednesday night in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. 40.

Rohn T. Smith, 23, of Brazil was westbound, driving a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, when he reportedly lost control of the car and it veered into the median west of Manhattan.

Smith then overcorrected, police said, and his car went into a wooded area along the north side of the roadway near County Road 500 West.

Indiana State Police and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to the rollover accident at 11:45 p.m.

Smith was initially transported to Putnam County Hospital with minor lacerations and abrasions while complaining of pain. He was later transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with chest injuries.

His seatbelt was in use, police said.

The accident was investigated by Trooper Jonathan Cumbie of the Putnamville Post.

Assisting at the scene were the Putnam County Sheriff's Department deputies and Putnam County EMS.

Earlier in the evening on Wednesday, Trooper Cumbie had stopped Smith for speeding near County Road 25 West on U.S. 40.

Smith was issued a warning at 9:10 p.m. Nearly two-and-a-half hours later, the Brazil man was involved in the crash that sent him to the hospital.