Teens driving in van strike police cruiser operated by Lt. Joe Rodney at 500 S. and 100 W. in Pendleton, IN

An accident occured just before 4 a.m. Saturday at 500 S. and 100 W. at the entrance to Fiddler's Green neighborhood in Pendleton. Investigators state a van with four teens inside ran a stop sign and hit the deputy's car. Madison County Lt. Joe Rodney was on his way to a call but was not driving with lights and sirens. After the crash, the four teenagers fled the scene in the van. The van had severe damage though and broke down a short distance away from the accident. The group then fled on foot. Police searched several nearby neighborhoods and eventually found all of the teens. Lt. Rodney was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and was later released. Officials say the teens, three males and one female, admitted they had been drinking but three of them tested negative for alcohol. The accident is still under investigation.