Tippecanoe County-Today at approximately 10:04 a.m. on I-65 southbound near the 181 mile marker (that is three miles north of the SR 43/178 exit), a passenger vehicle tangles with a semi trailer and ends up in the ditch.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Mike Krueger and Probationary Trooper Kim Finn has revealed that a black 2000 Mercury Sable driven by Schuler J. Pepin, 21 of Goodland, IN was SB in the right lane. The Mercury was coming up behind a blue 2015 Kenworth driven by Tyler L. Olson, 50 of Stoughton, WI pulling a 2011 Stoughton trailer. The Mercury allegedly tried to change lanes and clipped the left rear corner of the trailer causing the Mercury to spin out of control into the ditch, struck a tree and came to rest.
The driver of the semi was not injured. Pepin received cuts and lacerations to his face and complaint of chest pains. His passenger, Julie Rench, 20 of Goodland had head and facial injuries. Neither Rench nor Pepin’s injuries appear life threatening. Both were transported to IU Health Arnett Hospital by Tippecanoe County EMS. Seatbelts were in use at time of the crash. It is unclear if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the crash. Tests are pending. The crash investigation is continuing.
The trailer received slight damage to the rear left bumper. The Mercury was a total loss. Assisting at the scene were Troopers Darrick Scott, who was off duty at the time, and A.J. Smith, Jim’s Towing, Battle Ground Fire Department and the Tippecanoe County EMS.
Sorry, I do not have any pictures.
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RILEY
