92 Year Old Dementia Patient Located 119 miles from Home with a Flat Tire on I-65

Indianapolis, IN – Going above and beyond their duties, INDOT Hoosier Helper Aaron Thomas and Indiana State Police Master Trooper Kelly Lazzell, helped a 92 year old dementia patient safely reunite with her family.

Thursday March 23rd, just after 10:30 a.m.  Aaron Thomas located a disabled vehicle on I-65 southbound near Southport Road. He noticed the vehicle had a flat tire and offered to help change it. As he spoke with the driver for a few minutes he realized she seemed a bit confused. Thomas called for assistance from Master Trooper Lazzell and together they learned she had ventured from her home in Warsaw Indiana to visit a friend in Indianapolis. Lazzell said “unfortunately she could not remember her friend’s name or where she lived.” After spending nearly two hours with the driver, and with help from Indiana State Police Dispatchers, Thomas and Lazzell were able to reach her family and make arrangements for them to come pick her up at a local hospital. She had not been reported missing however her family was not aware she had left the Warsaw area.

The awareness of Mr. Thomas and Master Trooper Lazzell potentially saved a life, and their willingness to go above their duties is worthy of commendation. Thomas is a 10 year veteran of Hoosier Helpers and Lazzell is a 29 year veteran of the Indiana State Police

The Indiana Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring safe travels upon Indiana highways. A partnership between INDOT and State Farm Insurance provides free roadside service in select areas of the state. For more information about Hoosier Helpers and their service areas visit: http://www.in.gov/indot/2408.htm