Three facing charges after fight, crash in Cloverdale
CLOVERDALE -- A fight that erupted inside a moving vehicle led to a bizarre accident and subsequently the arrest of three individuals early Saturday in the middle of Cloverdale.
The accident occurred after the driver of the moving pickup truck reportedly tried to strangle another occupant, who responded by stabbing the would-be strangler with a sharp object.
Indiana State Police and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to the early morning accident involving a pickup truck into the building at 54 S. Main St. in Cloverdale.
The 1:30 a.m. crash resulted in three persons being treated at Putnam County Hospital for minor injuries and the trio subsequently being incarcerated in the Putnam County Jail on a variety of charges.
Arrested in the unusual incident were:
-- Brice C. Steinbaker, 21, Greencastle, on charges of strangulation, a Class D felony; battery, a Class A misdemeanor; and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, also an A misdemeanor.
He is being held in the Putnam County without bond.
-- Terry A. Gulley Jr., 24, Indianapolis, on charges of battery with a deadly weapon, a Class C felony; battery, an A misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, public Intoxication and obstructing emergency medical personnel, all Class B misdemeanors.
He also was held in the Putnam County Jail without bond.
-- Jenneya M. Bruce, 31, Reelsville, on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing emergency medical personnel, both Class B misdemeanors.
Bruce was held in the Putnam County Jail with bond set at $250.
Authorities report that a preliminary investigation revealed the three were attempting to leave westbound from the Ye Olde Inn bar parking lot on the east side of U.S. 231 (Main Street in Cloverdale). Steinbaker was reportedly behind the wheel of Gulley's black 1998 Chevrolet pickup.
A struggle reportedly took place inside the vehicle with punches reportedly thrown between Steinbaker and Gulley before the fight escalated with Steinbaker allegedly trying to strangle Gulley.
Gulley then reportedly retaliated by allegedly stabbing Steinbaker in the face with a sharp object.
During the fight, the truck accelerated across the highway, striking the building next to Rebel's Saloon at 54 S. Main St.
Patrons of Rebel's Saloon heard the disturbance, exited the bar and detained the three occupants of the truck until police arrived.
Steinbaker, Gulley and Bruce initially were transported to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
However, during the hospital commute, Bruce and Gulley reportedly became combative with medics and had to be restrained.
All three were treated and released from PCH and then taken to the jail.
Damage to the building was minimal, State Police reported. The truck, however, was considered a total loss.
The case is being investigated by ISP Trooper Jonathan Cumbie.
Assisting were the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Operation Life and Cloverdale police and fire departments.