SUBJECT: Crash with Multiple Injuries
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-089
CONTACT: Lt. Jana Wade
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at approximately 2:30 pm, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash at the intersection of North Green River Road and Boonville-New Harmony Road involving three vehicles. When deputies arrived on scene, they found four people to be injured. The crash caused the intersection to be shut down for approximately one and a half hours.
Witnesses told deputies that a black Cadillac Escalade SUV traveling eastbound on Boonville New Harmony failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of N. Green River Road. Upon entering the intersection, the vehicle collided with a tan Toyota Sienna van which was northbound on Green River Road. The van continued traveling and came to rest in a field northeast of the intersection. The collision in the intersection caused the Cadillac SUV to then collide with a white Nissan Altima, which was stopped facing west at the intersection on Boonville New Harmony Road. After the impact the SUV flipped on its side ejecting the passenger.
The driver of the Cadillac SUV, Larry E. Wertz, was transported by Scott Township Medics to Deaconess Hospital with minor injuries. The passenger, Judith A. Wertz, was transported by Warrick EMS to St. Mary’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota van, Jeremy R. Autry, was transported by AMR to St. Mary’s Hospital for arm and shoulder injuries. His 8-year-old passenger was transported by Life Flight helicopter to St. Mary’s Hospital for unknown injuries.
The driver of the Nissan Altima, Julie Batey, was not injured.
Blood toxicology tests will be performed on all three drivers, which is standard procedure for a crash involving serious bodily injury. Deputies have no reason to suspect drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the crash.
Driver (Cadillac SUV)
Larry E. Wertz, 72, of Evansville
Passenger (Cadillac SUV)
Judith A. Wertz, 68, of Evansville
Driver (Toyota van)
Jeremy R. Autry, 35, of Evansville
Driver (Nissan Altima)
Julie Batey, 55, of Evansville
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