Vigo County—This afternoon at 1:44, an elderly driver lost control of his vehicle and traveled through the southeast corner of a Wendy’s Restaurant located at US 41 and Davis Drive in Terre Haute. After entering the dining area, the 2001 Subaru Outback struck an on-duty Indiana State Police trooper and his girlfriend who were eating lunch at the corner table. Injured, the trooper was able to radio ISP Region III Dispatch Center for help. Additional troopers, Terre Haute Police officers, and firefighters/medics from Terre Haute Fire Station 9, all responded. Prior to arrival of EMS, employees of the Wendy’s Restaurant provided first-aid to the injured.
Preliminary investigation revealed the elderly male was attempting to enter the drive-thru, when for an unknown reason he lost control, traveled over the curb, and into the restaurant. Drugs and/or alcohol were not a factor. The injured were treated at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
Driver: Edwin P. Kasper, age 86, of Crown Point, Indiana
Not injured. Cited for Speed too Fast to Avoid Collision
Injured Trooper: Ty A. Lightle, age 41, of Rosedale, Indiana (Master Trooper) Neck, back, and head pain and lacerations
Fifteen year veteran of the ISP.
Injured Companion Mandi N. Scott, age 32, of Rosedale, Indiana
Possible fractured lower leg, arm
pain,lacerations
The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Hans Nowak. Assisting were many ISP troopers from the Putnamville Post, Terre Haute Police and Fire Departments, and Edington Wrecker Service.
Photo of crash scene attached.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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