On Friday at approximately 12:08 pm Trooper Jarrod Lents responded to the report of a one vehicle crash with injuries on CR 500 E south of CR 600 S. When Trooper Lents arrived he observed a two-toned silver/maroon Dodge Ram off of the east side of the roadway. There was no one immediately around the vehicle, however, Trooper Lents observed three people walking north on CR 500 E, approximately a quarter mile north of the crash scene. He left the scene to talk to the people that were walking. When he arrived with them he noticed that a female had a large and deep cut above her eye and was bleeding down her face. She was also being supported by the other two people. Trooper Lents had her sit down and provided her gauze so she could apply pressure to the wound and waited for EMS to check her out. A juvenile female appeared to be uninjured and Trooper Lents could smell the strong odor alcohol coming the male, Rhett W. Truelove, 41 Washington. When Trooper Lents began asking questions about the crash, Truelove became uncooperative.
Through the investigation Lents was able to determine that Truelove was the driver of the Dodge when it crashed and that he was intoxicated. Also during the investigation methamphetamine, and items commonly associated with drug use were located. He was taken into custody and charged with the following charges.
1) Operating while Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, Level 6 felony
2) Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident, Level 6 felony
3) Operating while Intoxicated with Minor Passenger, Level 6 felony
4) Operating while Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class A misdemeanor
5) Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony
6) Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony
7) Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 felony
8) Illegal Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 felony
9) False Informing, Class B misdemeanor
10) Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
Truelove was taken to the Daviess County Jail and turned over to the jail staff. The injured female was airlifted to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Evansville and treated for her head injuries. The third passenger, a juvenile, was uninjured and was released to family.
The 1997 Dodge was removed from the scene by G and M Wrecker service.
Assisting Agencies: Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Medical and G and M Wrecker Service.