INDIANAPOLIS – On Saturday, October 19, 2024, at approximately 2:21 a.m., First Sergeant Todd Harless with the Indiana State Police was dispatched to the 1.5-mile marker on Interstate 465 eastbound to investigate a multi-vehicle crash with injury. This location is on the south side of Indianapolis in Marion County and is an active construction zone.
Harless’ marked 2017 Dodge Charger police car was positioned blocking the left lane of travel to protect the crash scene, and its emergency lights were fully activated.
At approximately 3:14 a.m., while investigating the crash, Harless was outside his police car when a blue 2002 Honda Civic struck it. The Civic pushed the police car forward and struck Harless. Harless and the Civic’s driver were both transported to an area hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Additional troopers responded to the scene of the crash involving the police car. During the investigation, troopers developed probable cause to believe the driver of the Civic was intoxicated due to alcoholic beverages. The driver of the Civic cooperated with the investigation and submitted to a blood draw by Indiana’s Implied Consent law. The results of the blood draw are pending.
At the time of this press release, Harless has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. The driver of the Civic remains in the hospital due to injuries sustained from the crash.
After the criminal investigation, all evidence and paperwork will be submitted to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their review for possible criminal charges.
Harless is a 33-year veteran of the Indiana State Police and is assigned to its General Headquarters and the Office of the Superintendent.
The Indianapolis Fire Department, IEMS, and INDOT assisted ISP.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
