Drunk Driver Causes a Two Vehicle Personal Injury Crash

KENDALLVILLE, IN - On Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Indiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle personal injury crash this afternoon, at the intersection of State Road 3 and County Road 1000 N, involving an intoxicated driver.  According to Senior Trooper Steve Malone, a 2005 Ford F-250 driven by Keith J. Gillian of Rome City, was traveling eastbound on 1000 N when it attempted to cross State Road 3. 

Gillian’s vehicle struck a northbound 1999 GMC Yukon driven by Barbara A. Reeder, 50, of Kendallville in the driver’s door.  As a result of the crash, Reeder was transported to Parkview Noble Hospital with a broken left arm.  Her front seat passenger, Danielle Gibson, 25, of Kendallville was also transported to the hospital with complaints of pain throughout her body. 

A one-year-old boy, who was in the back seat of Reeder’s vehicle, and who was also properly restrained in a child restraint seat, was not injured.  All three adults involved in the crash were also wearing their seatbelts thus reducing the nature of injuries sustained.

As a result of the investigation, Malone transported Gillian to the Noble County Sheriff Department where a chemical test for intoxication was administered.  Gillian was then incarcerated and charged with operating while intoxicated causing injury and was also cited for failing to yield the right of way. 

Assisting with the investigation was the Noble County Sheriff Department, Noble County EMS, and the Kendallville Fire Department. 

Arrested and charged: 

Keith J. Gillian, 56, 1250 Northshore Drive, Rome City, IN

• Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury, Class A Misdemeanor
• Failure to Yield Right of Way, Infraction