BATESVILLE – An Indiana State trooper’s vehicle was hit by another vehicle while the trooper was conducting a traffic stop at 10:45 a.m. Friday on I-74 near Batesville in Ripley County.
The initial investigation by Trooper Cameron McCreary indicated that Master Trooper Daniel Elmore was conducting a traffic stop on a 2020 Peterbilt truck pulling a trailer, being driven by Roger Gladden, 58, Mint Hill, North Carolina near the 152 mile marker on I-74 in the eastbound lanes.
Elmore’s 2013 Dodge Charger was parked behind Gladden’s trailer with emergency lights activated. Investigators said Elmore was outside of his vehicle speaking to Gladden when a 2012 Dodge Caravan being driven by Juan Martinez, 44, Chicago, left the eastbound lanes of I-74 and struck the rear of the trooper’s vehicle. The collision forced Elmore’s vehicle into the back of Gladden’s trailer.
After the collision, the Dodge Caravan left the south side of the roadway before overturning. Elmore, Gladden, and Martinez were not injured in the collision, state police said.
Three people in Martinez’ vehicle were transported to Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville for treatment of minor injuries. A 6-year-old child in Martinez’ vehicle was transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash although toxicology results are pending.
