Vigo County—Last night at 11:45, Indiana State Police Trooper Jonathan Cumbie came upon a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of US 41 (3rd Street) and Hulman Street in Terre Haute.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white GMC pickup, driven by 47-year-old Renee Whitby of Duschore, PA, was stopped westbound on Hulman Street at US 41 (3rd Street) for a red light. The GMC was then struck in the rear by a 2004 Hyundai SUV, driven by 26-year-old Jakita Brown of Terre Haute. The impact forced the GMC onto US 41. No injuries were reported.
During the crash investigation, Trooper Cumbie noticed Brown appeared to smell of alcohol and display classic signs of intoxication. Brown failed roadside field sobriety tests and later failed a breath test for intoxication by testing .248%. Brown was incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail and preliminarily charged with (1) count of Operating While Intoxicated with Passenger under 18 (felony); (3) counts of Neglect of a Dependant (felony); (3) counts of Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment (misdemeanor); and various traffic citations which included child restraint violation and no valid driver’s license. Legal limit for intoxication is .08% in Indiana.
Jakita Brown was accompanied by her three children ages 7, 5, and one month. Only one child appeared to be properly restrained in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The children’s father was summoned to the scene and the three children were released to him after being medically evaluated by Terre Haute Fire Department EMS.
Assisting Trooper Cumbie were ISP Trooper Brian Thomas, THPD Officer David Garland, and Terre Haute Fire Department Engine Company and EMS.
Attached photos are of Jakita Brown and the crash.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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