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Last updated on Monday, April 17, 2017
(UNDATED) - Easter weekend traffic kept troopers from the Versailles Post busy on I-65 in Jackson and Bartholomew Counties.
On Friday morning, troopers conducted a special holiday patrol on I-65 in both counties. The special patrols were aimed at targeting those drivers that were speeding or exhibiting dangerous driving behaviors. During a two hour period, troopers issued 48 citations and 28 warnings. During the patrols, one arrest was made for possession of marijuana.
On Friday afternoon, troopers responded to a personal injury crash on I-65 near the 38 mile marker in Jackson County. The initial investigation by Sgt. Stephen Wheeles indicated that a 2009 Ford Escape being driven by 53-year-old James Beard, of Ray City, Georgia was traveling northbound on I-65 near the 38 mile marker when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the roadway and entered the median of I-65. After entering the median, the vehicle struck the cable barrier before overturning and coming to a stop.
As a result of the collision, Beard sustained serious injuries and was flown by StatFlight Medical Helicopter to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. Passengers in the vehicle, 29-year-old Nicole Beard and 5-year-old Hannah Beard, and 1-year-old Marlee Beard all of Ray City, Georgia were transported by Jackson County EMS to Scott County Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
As a result of the crash, I-65 Southbound was closed for approximately one hour. Both directions of I-65 remained slow for two hours for crash investigation and cleanup. During the investigation, troopers re-routed southbound traffic at Uniontown.
The crash remains under investigation.
Sgt. Wheeles was assisted by numerous other troopers with the Indiana State Police: Crothersville Police Officer Christopher Cooper, Jackson County Reserve Deputy Scott Davis, Jackson County EMS, Crothersville Fire Department, StatFlight Medical Helicopter, and Howard's Wrecker Service.
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