Alcohol a factor in U.S. 40 crash

First responders secure the scene of a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 40 near the Putnamville Correctional Facility on Wednesday. One patient flown from the scene was determined to be intoxicated.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

PUTNAMVILLE — Alcohol consumption was determined as a factor in a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 40 on Wednesday.

First responders were dispatched at about 1:20 p.m. for a crash with injuries near the Putnamville Correctional Facility. A Saturn Aura and a Ford Edge were found resting in the eastbound lane with heavy damage.

Multiple witnesses stated that the Aura, driven by Donald Roberts, 40, McCordsville, was traveling westbound when it crossed the median into the eastbound lane. It then struck the driver’s-side rear of the westbound Edge, driven by Robert Jenkins, 84, Knightsville.

One witness reported that as they were driving ahead of the Aura, it was weaving out of its lane before it left the roadway.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department and Putnam County EMS responded to the scene.

Jenkins and a passenger, Wilma Jenkins, 83, also of Knightville, were ground-transported for evaluation. Meanwhile, Roberts was extricated by firefighters and flown out by Indiana University Health LifeLine. A dog that was in the back seat of Roberts’ vehicle succumbed to injuries.

According to a crash report submitted by Maj. Dwight Simmons, Roberts was found to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident. He was given a blood test, but charging information was not available as of Thursday afternoon.

Roberts was initially charged with Class A misdemeanor driving with a suspended license with a prior conviction, as well as a pair of infractions for driving without financial responsibility and driving a vehicle with a plate belonging to another.

Simmons was assisted in the investigation by Sgt. Anthony Brown and ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson. Curtis Wrecker picked up the vehicles.