An Indiana State Police Trooper sustained injuries following an early-morning Saturday crash while investigating the scene of another crash in the area.
On Saturday, Oct. 19 just before 2:30 a.m., Indiana State Police First Sergeant Todd Harless was reportedly dispatched to the 1.5 mile-marker on Interstate 465 eastbound to investigate reports of a multi-vehicle crash with injury. The crash reportedly occurred on the southside of Indianapolis in an active construction zone.
Harless’ marked 2017 Dodge Charger police car was reportedly positioned blocking the left lane of travel to protect the crash scene, and its emergency lights were activated, police report.
Just before 3:15 a.m., Harless was outside of his police car while investigating the crash when a 2002 Honda Civic reportedly struck his police car, pushing the car forward to strike Harless. According to reports, Harless and the driver of the Civic were both transported to an area hospital with injuries sustained as a result of the crash.
The department stated that additional troopers responded to the scene of the crash to conduct an investigation, and troopers reportedly developed probable cause to believe the driver of the Civic was intoxicated due to alcoholic beverages. The driver reportedly cooperated with the investigation and submitted to a blood draw in accordance with Indiana’s Implied Consent Law, and the blood draw results are pending.
All crimes mentioned are alleged, and all suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
