DATE: August 07, 2014
SUBJECT: Sheriff’s Office Vehicle involved in Crash
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-72
CONTACT: Sgt. Jeff South / Lt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
On Thursday, August 7th, 2014 at 9:15 pm the Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident with injury involving a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Prior to the collision, Deputy Alison Lancaster was driving a marked Sheriff’s Office cruiser west on Diamond Avenue near the intersection of St. Joseph Avenue. In an adjacent westbound lane, Mr. Jason Coomer was driving a white Jeep occupied by two additional passengers.
Several witnesses reported observing both the cruiser and the white Jeep traveling westbound under a green light. Witnesses reported that a white Ford pick-up truck (driven by Mr. Michael Kercher) had been eastbound on Diamond Avenue and had turned north onto St. Joseph Avenue into the path of the cruiser. The cruiser and the pickup truck collided, which resulted in the cruiser being deflected into the white Jeep.
A passenger in the Jeep was transported to Deaconess Hospital by AMR with a complaint of pain to her hand and head. Deputy Lancaster was taken to St. Mary’s hospital where she is being examined due to minor knee inflammation.
Everyone involved was wearing seatbelts and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The driver of the pick-up truck was issued a citation for Failure to Yield at an intersection.
Sheriff Dave Wedding was notified of the crash immediately. Sheriff Wedding stated, “I am relieved that my deputy and the other vehicle occupants were not seriously injured. Seatbelts are truly a lifesaver, as evidenced by the fact that everyone walked away from this violent collision. Vehicles and equipment can be easily replaced, people cannot.”
Involved Parties:
Driver #1
Michael Kercher, 17 year old of Evansville, IN
Driver #2
Deputy Alison Lancaster
Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office
2nd Shift Motor Patrol
Driver #3
Jason Coomer, 36 year old of Poseyville, IN
Passenger #1
Diana Coomer, 37 year old of Poseyville, IN
Passenger #2
Megan Coomer, 18 years old of Poseyville, IN
(Transported to Deaconess Hospital)
Pictured above: Sheriff’s Office Ford Police Interceptor (Front View)
Pictured above: Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (Profile View)
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