Dubois County: A Jasper man was slightly injured this morning in a crash that ultimately landed him in the Dubois County Security Center.
According to Lieutenant Greg Ashby, at about 8:08 A.M., Frank C. Phillips, 43, Jasper, was traveling westbound on State Road 56, about two miles east of Haysville. While traveling into the Sendelweck Curve, Phillips became distracted by an item falling from the bed of his 1995 Dodge Dakota truck, and drove left of center. John W. Fuller, 66, Dale, was traveling eastbound through Sendelweck Curve in a 2011 Kenworth tractor-trailer, and observed Phillips traveling westbound in the eastbound lane. Fuller attempted to drive across the center line in an effort to avoid Phillips, but Phillips struck Fuller in the passenger side.
Fuller was not injured in the crash; however, Phillips suffered minor injuries and was transported to Memorial Hospital in Jasper. Further investigation at the hospital found Phillips to be under the influence of THC and opiates. Fuller was placed under arrest after being treated and was transported to the Dubois County Security Center, where he was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, Driving While Suspended, and Driving Left of Center.
State Road 56 was closed for over two hours while the crash was investigated and debris was removed. Phillips’s Dodge was considered a total loss; Fuller’s Kenworth sustained major damage to the passenger side, including a detached axle and smoke stack.
The Indiana State Police wants to remind all motorists that if you observe other motorists traveling in unusual or erratic manners, please dial 911 and report the behavior. Law enforcement wants to stop distracted, aggressive, and reckless driving before crashes with potentially serious consequences occur.
Injured, arrested, and charges:
Frank C. Phillips, 43
1865 East State Road 164, Jasper, IN
- Minor Injuries (Complaint of pain to the neck), treated and released
- Operating While Intoxicated, Driving While Suspended, Driving Left of Center
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HENSLEY
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
