Authorities in Decatur County are investigating the events that led to a deadly crash that claimed the life of a Jennings County woman Monday evening.
The Decatur County Sheriffs Office received a report from a homeowner on West County Road 480 S. at 9:00 p.m.
“The homeowner stated that he was chasing a vehicle from his property due to the occupants of the vehicle trespassing,” reported Decatur County Sheriff Gregory Allen. “The suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and disregarding traffic signs according to the homeowner.”
The homeowner also told police that a rifle had been pointed at him from the passenger window of the fleeing car, according to Sheriff Allen.
Westport Marshal Joe Talkington attempted to stop the vehicle by blocking the roadway at the intersection of C.R. 700W and C.R 1100S.
“The vehicle failed to stop, driving into the ditch to avoid the marshal and proceeded southbound on County Road 700 West at a high rate of speed,” Sheriff Allen indicated.
Once the vehicle reached SR 3, it disregarded the stoplight and continued on C.R. 700W.
“At that point, the Westport officer lost sight of the vehicle, but continued southbound to attempt to locate it,” said Sheriff Allen.
Decatur County dispatchers received a call approximately one minute later from a resident south of SR 3 reporting a crashed vehicle in front of his home.
“The vehicle involved, a 2009 Honda passenger car, ran off the right hand side of the roadway after cresting a hill, struck a utility pole and rock ditch, then rolled over several times into a field,” Sheriff Allen explained. “Both occupants of the vehicle were ejected as a result of the crash.”
Brooklynn Murray, 22, of Jennings County, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash.
31-year-old Steven Fletcher, of Jennings County, was flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis due to possible head and internal injuries.
Sheriff Allen was the second law enforcement officer on the scene and reported a quick response time by emergency personnel.
“With everything that went down, and the response time by the volunteer fire departments, it is unbelievable how fast they showed up and went to work trying to save a life,” he said.
As the investigation continues, police are working to determine which occupant was the driver of the vehicle.
Evidence located at the scene could potentially lead to charges in the near future, Sheriff Allen hinted.
What about the rifle the homeowner reported to police?
Decatur County deputies located a 12-gauge shotgun that was fully loaded at the intersection of CR 700W and CR 1100S, according to Sheriff Allen.
“I sent them out searching for it and within the hour it was located.”
