A Cadiz Police Department officer suffered serious injuries Sunday morning when a Toyota RAV4 struck his parked patrol vehicle on State Road 38 at Mechanicsburg Road in Henry County, Indiana. The incident occurred at approximately 6:50 a.m. on Sunday, prompting an immediate emergency response from multiple agencies. According to the Indiana State Police, the officer had stopped his police vehicle on the side of the road and was standing outside when the 2019 Toyota RAV4 collided with the rear of the patrol car. The impact of the collision resulted in serious injuries to the officer, who required air transport via medical helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. As of the latest reports, the officer remains in stable condition at the hospital. The driver of the Toyota RAV4 sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The crash scene remained closed for approximately four hours while emergency crews cleared the roadway and the Indiana State Police Reconstruction Team conducted their preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 38 at Mechanicsburg Road is located in Henry County, Indiana, serving as a significant east-west corridor through the region. This intersection connects rural and suburban areas, with State Road 38 functioning as a major route for both local and through traffic in east-central Indiana. The roadway in this area typically features shoulders where emergency vehicles and law enforcement can safely pull over, though visibility and traffic speeds can vary depending on time of day and weather conditions. Mechanicsburg Road intersects State Road 38 in an area characterized by a mix of agricultural land and residential development. The location is several miles from the city of New Castle, the Henry County seat, and serves commuters and local traffic traveling through the region. Road conditions, sight lines, and traffic control devices at this location are likely being examined as part of the ongoing investigation by Indiana State Police to determine what factors may have contributed to the vehicle striking the parked patrol car.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana law requires drivers to exercise extreme caution around stopped emergency vehicles. The state's "Move Over" law (Indiana Code 9-21-8-35) mandates that drivers must change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles with activated lights, or slow down if changing lanes is not possible. Violations of this law can result in significant penalties, and failure to comply that results in injury may lead to enhanced charges. When collisions involve emergency personnel, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through insurance claims or civil litigation. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation can be reduced if a victim is found partially at fault, but they can still recover damages if less than 51% responsible. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the accident. Given the serious nature of injuries to the officer, a thorough investigation will be essential in determining liability and any applicable violations of traffic safety laws.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Indiana State Police: (317) 899-8577
• Henry County Emergency Management: (765) 529-4279
• Methodist Hospital Indianapolis: (317) 962-2000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division: www.in.gov/cji/traffic-safety
• Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.in.gov/isp
• Henry County Sheriff's Department: (765) 529-4901

Support Services:

• Indiana Victim Assistance: www.in.gov/cji/victim-services
• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.): www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org

Legal Information:

• Indiana Move Over Law: Indiana Code 9-21-8-35
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Safety Resources: www.in.gov/bmv/safety-education
• Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 266-2581