Vernon, IN — Late Saturday evening, Deputies with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 3 at County Road 300 South. Upon deputies’ arrival, it was determined that two vehicles were involved in the accident. A black Dodge Ram truck, driven by Leroy Bertram Jr., 26, of North Vernon, and a black Nissan sedan was being driven by Francis Loper, 46, of Scipio.
Francis was pronounced deceased at the scene and a passenger in the vehicle, Michelle Loper, 33, of Scipio, was flown to St. Vincent Indianapolis due to injuries sustained during the crash. A female passenger in the Ram truck, Hailey Edmondson, 23, of Vernon, was taken to St. Vincent Jennings ER for her injuries and later flown to St. Vincent Indianapolis.
During the investigation, it was determined that Bertram was under the influence of alcohol. Bertram was arrested on an allegation of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. None of the occupants in the crash were believed to be wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Alcohol/drugs are both believed to have been a factor in the crash.
The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team responded and assisted in the investigation.
