Clinton County-This evening at around 8:19 p.m. on I-65 NB near the 158 MM (that is the SR 28/158 exit), a minivan was hit by a vehicle that left the scene and sent all the occupants of the minivan to the hospital.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Sean Schaefer has revealed that a blue 2001 Chrysler Town & Country minivan driven by Sorin Stoican, 34 of Anaheim, CA was NB in the right lane and was slowing due to traffic. A Maroon Cadillac Escalade was NB behind the minivan and allegedly was unable to get slowed and ran off the roadway on the left side. The Escalade came back onto the roadway and struck the minivan on the left side which forced both vehicles to leave the roadway on the right. The minivan then struck a large highway sign and came to rest in the ditch.
The Escalade allegedly left the scene without checking on the well being of the driver or the passengers inside the minivan. The Escalade was later stopped by Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department Deputies at US 231 near South River Road near West Lafayette, IN. The driver was later identified as Leslie J. Edwards, 52 of Fowler, IN.
Stoican and his family were transported to St Vincent Hospital in Frankfort, IN with non-life threatening injuries. Sorin complained of neck, head and back pain. His wife, Marta, 30 complained of neck and back pain. The six children ranging in ages from 1 to 14 years old were all checked and appear to be minor injuries. The minivan damage was moderate. The investigation is continuing with assistance from Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department.
Assisting at the scene was the Perry Township Fire and Rescue, Clinton County EMS and Troopers from the Lafayette Post. For further information on Leslie J. Edwards, contact the sheriff’s department.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Sorry, no pictures.
RILEY
