The Knox County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant last Friday, September 27, for Joshua A. Roark, 27, of Vincennes, in connection to a vehicle crash in June that killed John and Rita Buck, both 71, from Freelandville.
On June 12, Roark was traveling southbound on SR 159 approaching Brocksmith Road when he drove left of center and collided head-on into a vehicle occupied by John and Rita Buck.
Further investigation by Indiana State Police revealed Roark was under the influence of methamphetamine. Roark turned himself in at the Knox County Jail where he posted bond and was later released.
Criminal Charges:
Joshua A. Roark, 27, Vincennes, IN
- 2 counts of Causing Death while Driving under the Influence of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Level 4 Felony
Original News Release June 12, 2019:
Head-on Crash is Deadly for Freelandville Husband and Wife
Knox County – This afternoon at approximately 4:34, Indiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on SR 159 north of Bicknell that killed a Freelandville couple and injured a Vincennes man.
Preliminary investigation revealed John B. Buck, 71, of Freelandville, was driving his 2002 Jeep northbound on SR 159 approximately ½ mile north of Brocksmith Road. Joshua A. Roark, 27, of Vincennes, was traveling southbound on SR 159 approaching Brocksmith Road when for unknown reasons drove left of center and collided head-on into Buck’s vehicle. John Buck and his wife, Rita Buck, 71, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Roark was airlifted to St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville where he is being treated for serious injuries. SR 159 was closed for approximately 3 hours while troopers investigated the crash. This is an on-going investigation.
Deceased:
- John B. Buck, 71, Freelandville, IN (Family has been notified)
- Rita A. Buck, 71, Freelandville, IN
Investigating Trooper: Master Trooper Jim Dotson, Indiana State Police
Assisting Troopers: Sergeant Kylen Compton, Master Trooper Randy Huddleston,
Master Trooper Gary Goodman and Trooper Nick Hatfield
Assisting Agencies: Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Bicknell Police, Knox County Coroner’s Office, Knox County EMS, Bicknell Fire Department and Vigo Twp. Fire Department