Motorcyclist Injured in Miami County Crash

MIAMI COUNTY, IN  – On Friday, November 20, 2009, at approximately 7:35 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Miami County Road 1000 North at Meridian Road, which injured a Peru, IN, man. 

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Luke Bowyer revealed that Raschel Hayes, 19, Peru, IN, was driving a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck southbound on Meridian Road.  Hayes did not stop for a stop sign at the intersection of County Road 1000 North.  She drove the Chevrolet onto County Road 1000 North and was struck in the passenger door by an eastbound 1983 Suzuki GR 6 motorcycle driven by Zariah Barns, 20, Peru, IN. After impact with the motorcycle, the Chevrolet continued southbound coming to rest after striking a home on the southeast corner of the intersection. The home was occupied but no one inside was injured. The residence did suffer significant damage. 

Barns was ejected from the motorcycle. He was transported by ambulance from the scene to meet Samaritan Helicopter in a lot at North Miami High School. Barns was then flown to Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne with a possible broken arm and leg. Hayes complained of arm pain and was treated at the scene.  

Barns was wearing a helmet and Hayes was properly secured with a seat belt. Trooper Bowyer believes the safety devices did prevent more serious injuries in the crash. 

This crash is still under investigation. 

Trooper Bowyer was assisted at the crash scene by Trooper Mike Meiser, the Miami County Sheriff’s Department, the Peru Fire Department, the Denver Fire Department, and Dukes Hospital EMS.