Putnam County – A 66 year old Sacramento, California man was killed this evening on Interstate 70 while securing his roadside warning devices, following repairs made to his disabled truck, by a roadside repair company.
Indiana State Police investigators received information regarding a 2009 Chrysler van that was driving recklessly on Interstate 70. 911 dispatchers had received numerous calls on the van starting at the 56 mile marker, advising that the vehicle was all over the roadway and driving recklessly in and out of traffic. Troopers were enroute in an attempt to locate the van.
Freddie L. Smith, 66, of Sacramento, California was securing his roadside warning devices when the identified Chrysler van drove off the roadway and across the white line, striking Smith. Despite life-saving efforts by responding emergency personnel, Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the van was identified as Brian P. Rosano, 42, Brazil, Indiana.
Rosano was transported to the Putnam County Hospital for minor injuries sustained from the accident. Rosano also submitted to a blood draw for drugs and alcohol, as this is standard protocol with all fatal crashes. Upon receiving the results of the certified test, it was discovered that Rosano was under the influence of a controlled substance. Once Rosano is cleared medically, he will be taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail.
Investigating Officer, Trooper Courtland Woodruff assisted by the Indiana State Police reconstruction team of Trooper Tim Radar and Ted Robertson.
Assisting Agencies: Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, Indiana Department of Transportation, and Curtis Wrecker Service.
Smith’s family has been notified.
CHARGES:
Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Class C Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Endangerment of Others, Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Syringe Needles, Level 6 Felony
Causing Death of Another Person When Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Level 5 Felony
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
