Driver dies when stolen wrecker falls from Starke County bridge

WSBT-TV Report

Tools

By WSBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Oct 30, 2009 at 8:43 AM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 30, 2009 at 10:53 PM EDT

A stolen wrecker hauling a van, involved in a police pursuit late Thursday night, went airborne for more than 200 feet off the overpass at U.S. 30 and U.S. 35 before crashing onto the pavement below and striking a bridge abutment.

Police have not yet released the name of the driver who was trapped in the vehicle and later pronounced dead at LaPorte Hospital. LaPorte County Coroner Fred Sullivan said the man died from blunt force trauma and that alcohol was also a factor.

The wrecker and van were taken from Bob's Towing in Plymouth, according to the Starke County Sheriff's Department news release.

Just after 11 p.m., Hamlet Police officers followed the wrecker to a gas station just south of U.S. 30, where officers tried to box the vehicle in the parking lot.

The wrecker was able to maneuver out to 600 East, then to U.S. 30 where it traveled west in the eastbound lane. When the vehicle reached overpass, the driver lost control, drove into the median between the bridge sections before becoming airborne.

More Good Stuff

Advertisement

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 34.0
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Question of The Day

How do you monitor your child's access to computers and cell phones?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.