Miami County Teens Injured in Crash

MIAMI COUNTY, IN -  Today, at approximately 11:23 a.m., Indiana State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on County Road 800 South east of County Road 200 West that injured three Miami County teens.  

Preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police Sergeant Rick Brown revealed that Justin L. Allen, 16, Bunker Hill, IN, was driving a 1998 Jeep Wrangler westbound on County Road 800 South. For an unknown reason, the Jeep traveled off the north side of the road near County Road 200 West. It traveled approximately 135 feet and struck a telephone pole. The Jeep severed a tire while continuing westbound before spinning 180 degrees and coming to rest facing eastbound. Three passengers in the vehicle were injured.  

Lauren Ramberger, 17, Bunker Hill, IN, was transported by ambulance to Dukes Memorial Hospital with complaint of pain to her back and side. Donald R. Arnett, 17, also of Bunker Hill, IN, was transported to Dukes Memorial Hospital by his father. He was treated for complaint of pain and scratches on his body. April Skyles, 16, Peru, IN, was airlifted by helicopter to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. She suffered a broken pelvis and a broken collar bone. She was admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit for observation. Arnett and Skyles were not wearing seat belts which Sergeant Brown believes would have reduced the severity of their injuries. Allen was not injured in the crash.  

“The combination of excessive speed and an inexperienced driver are contributing factors in this crash,” stated Sergeant Brown. “These young people are very lucky. This could have easily been a fatal crash, especially since two of the kids were not wearing seat belts.” 

Allen was cited for speed too fast to avoid a collision.  

All four teens are Maconaquah High School students. They were en route to a vocational school. 

Sergeant Brown was assisted at the scene by Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, Trooper T.J. Zeiser, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, and Dukes Hospital E.M.S.

Source: Indiana State Police

Technorati Tags: News State Crime / Police Donald R. Arnett Indiana State Police - ISP Justin L. Allen Lauren Ramberger Matt Bilkey Rick Brown T.J. Zeise Transportation