A Columbus man was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after he allegedly drove his car into the back a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department patrol car, causing the deputy’s car to strike a vehicle the deputy had pulled over. There were no apparent serious injuries.
According to a press release from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Billy Bryant initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation on southbound U.S. 31 near Lowell Road at about 3:26 a.m. Saturday. The vehicle pulled over to the left side of the road just north of Lowell Road.
With his emergency lights activated, Bryant began to exit his patrol car when it was struck from behind by a southbound vehicle. Columbus police said the vehicle that struck Bryant’s car was driven by Dai Von Terees Coram, 26, of Columbus.
The sheriff’s department said the impact was severe enough that it caused airbags to deploy on Coram’s vehicle and pushed Bryant’s vehicle into the vehicle that he had originally stopped.
Bryant exited his patrol car and checked on both drivers, who were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. Officers from the Columbus Police Department along with other deputies arrived on the scene to assist.
Bryant was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for evaluation and was released.
Police said Dai Von Terees Coram, 26, of Columbus, was the driver of the vehicle that struck Deputy Bryant’s vehicle. Coram was arrested by Columbus Police Officers on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The Columbus Police Department is handling the crash investigation, including the criminal investigation involving Coram.
“We are all thankful that Deputy Bryant was able to walk away from this collision without serious injuries,” said Chief Deputy Chris Lane. “This is another reminder of how driving under the influence can be dangerous for all members of the community including law enforcement.”
