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Last updated on Monday, January 23, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Friday, with an arrest warrant issued by the Marion County Court, detectives from the Indiana State Police arrested 26-year-old Leslie Miller, of Indianapolis, for leaving the scene of a fatal crash.
Investigators believe Miller is responsible for the November 29th, 2016 crash on I-465 near I-65 that claimed the life of Jeffrey Smith of Rushville. If convicted Miller could face 1-6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Miller was arrested Friday afternoon without incident.
This was a complex investigation requiring corroboration between police and the public to bring justice to the victim's family. Within days of the crash, investigators were able to identify Miller as a person of interest thanks to tips from the public and the vigilance of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer who recognized a vehicle having damage consistent with the crash.
Detectives would also like to thank local media for their expedited release of pertinent information and Crime Stoppers for taking the public tips.
The incident
Preliminary crash investigation and witness statements revealed that a crane being operated by 53-year-old Jeffrey A. Smith, had mechanical issues and was parked on the right shoulder emergency berm of I-465 EB at the .08mm.The drivers' side of the crane, or left side, was seven feet off of the right lane of I-465 with the emergency flashers activated. A mechanic from R.H. Marlin Inc., the owner of the crane, had arrived in a separate vehicle and was under the crane making repairs. Smith was standing on the emergency berm between the crane and the right lane of I-465.
According to witness accounts, a red or maroon Ford pickup truck went off the right side of I-465 onto the emergency berm and struck Smith with the front right of the vehicle. The pickup did not stop and continued EB on I-465.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The mechanic was not injured.
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