State Trooper and his K-9 Partner Struck by Drunk Driver

Submitted by kpaul.mallasch on Fri, 08/14/2009 - 7:06am.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Friday, August 14, 2009, at 2:30 a.m., Indiana State Trooper Kyle Freeman of the Indianapolis Post and his K-9 partner “Dudley” were struck by a drunk driver. Trooper Freeman was sitting in his Indiana State Police car at a previous crash on Interstate 70 east bound at Emerson. Freeman had his K-9 partner “ Dudley” in the rear seat when they were rear ended.

Zenith Harding, 40, Indianapolis, was east bound on Interstate 70 when he swerved toward the median and struck Trooper Freeman’s patrol car that was in the left lane of Interstate 70 at a previous crash site. As the investigation of the crash continued it was determined that Harding was driving while intoxicated and he was arrested.

Trooper Freeman was treated at the scene and released. K-9 “Dudley” will be taken to a veterinarian today for a check out. Harding was taken to the Marion County Jail where he was incarcerated.