Motorcyclist Injured in Crash with Deer

PERU, IN - This morning, at approximately 9:00 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and Peru Police Department responded to a motorcycle crash on U.S. 24 near U.S. 31, which injured a West Lafayette, IN, man. 

Preliminary investigation by Senior Trooper Joe Swisher revealed that a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle, driven by Richard W. Spencer, 42, West Lafayette, IN, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 24 near U.S. 31. A deer ran from the north side of the road, onto U.S. 24, and was struck by the Harley Davidson. Spencer was ejected from the motorcycle. He was unconscious when officers arrived at the crash. He regained consciousness a short time later and was flown from the scene by Samaritan Helicopter, to Parkview Hospital, with unknown injuries.  

“Spencer was wearing a helmet and protective clothing,” stated Senior Trooper Swisher. “Those items helped protect him from further injuries and quite possibly saved his life.” 

Today is the opening day for shotgun deer hunting season and farmers are finishing up the fall harvest. This causes deer to be on the move and crossing roadways more frequently. Motorists should be alert for deer running onto roadways. Deer usually travel in packs. If a motorist sees one deer cross the roadway, they should expect more deer to follow.  If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it.  A frightened or wounded deer can cause serious bodily injury.  

Motorists should report a crash involving a motor vehicle and deer as they would any other crash. 

Senior Trooper Swisher was assisted by the Peru Fire Department and Dukes Hospital EMS.