Indiana: State Trooper Struck While Directing Traffic

Saturday morning, at approximately 8:19 am, an Indiana State Trooper was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic for the Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, sending him to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The crash, which was investigated by Sgt. Brian Wilson, Indiana State Police-Versailles District, occurred when a 2006 Honda passenger car, being driven by Sherry S. Waggoner, age 64, Columbus, Indiana was traveling eastbound on State Street and attempted to turn northbound onto Mapleton Street. Waggoner struck First Sergeant Perry Hewitt, a 36 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, who was directing traffic in the intersection for the races that were taking place in Columbus.

The collision caused F/Sgt. Hewitt to suffer a complaint of pain to his lower extremities. He was transported by ambulance to Columbus Regional Hospital where he was treated and released. The investigation determined that Waggoner's view may have been affected by the position of the sun in the sky.

F/Sgt. Hewitt is assigned to the Headquarters Division of the Indiana State Police out of Indianapolis, Indiana.  Sgt. Wilson was assisted by other troopers and Columbus Regional EMS.

Numerous troopers from central and southern Indiana as well as county and local officers converged on Columbus today for the running of the Mill Race Marathon. This year, around 4,000 runners and walkers participated in the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K Races.