A collision involving an Indiana State Police officer occurred Tuesday morning on State Road 22 in Grant County, resulting in the aerial transport of the injured trooper to Lutheran Hospital. The incident took place around 9:00 AM when Trooper Weston Shanks, a 13-year veteran of the force, was traveling westbound in his department-issued Dodge Charger and rear-ended a Ford F-450 utility truck pulling a trailer. Following the impact, Trooper Shanks' vehicle left the roadway, coming to rest in a southside ditch. The driver of the Ford F-450, identified as 44-year-old Beau Jaqua of Indianapolis, emerged from the incident uninjured. Emergency response was swift and comprehensive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and fire department personnel. The preliminary investigation, led by Master Trooper Bryan Rumple, has ruled out alcohol and narcotics as contributing factors, though the precise cause of the collision remains under investigation.

The collision site on State Road 22 represents a crucial east-west thoroughfare in Grant County, connecting several communities and serving as an important route for both commercial and residential traffic. This section of roadway, situated near Gas City, experiences regular utility and maintenance vehicle traffic due to its role in connecting rural and urban areas. The road typically maintains a posted speed limit consistent with similar state highways in Indiana, featuring standard shoulder widths and clear signage. The area is characterized by a mix of agricultural and residential properties, with several county road intersections that require vigilant attention from motorists, particularly during peak travel hours and in varying weather conditions.

Indiana law provides specific protections and considerations for both emergency responders and civilian drivers involved in vehicular accidents. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. The state follows a modified comparative fault system, where parties can seek compensation as long as they are found to be 51% or less at fault for the accident. Insurance considerations typically include personal injury protection, liability coverage, and potential workers' compensation benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Compensation may encompass medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other damages depending on the specific circumstances and extent of injuries.

Related Resources:

• Grant County Emergency Management Agency: Emergency response coordination and public safety
• Indiana State Police Peru Post: Local law enforcement and accident investigation
• Lutheran Hospital Trauma Center: Specialized emergency medical care
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Traffic regulations and driver responsibilities
• Grant County Sheriff's Office: Local law enforcement and emergency response
• Indiana State Police Crash Records: Accident report requests and documentation
• Indiana Worker's Compensation Board: Benefits information for injured public servants
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute: Traffic safety programs and resources