Charges Filed on Driver of Mortuary Crash

Putnam County— On May 16th  Troopers responded to a one-vehicle crash in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 35 mile marker. The crash involved a mortuary services van transporting a deceased person.

The preliminary investigation revealed a black 2013 Dodge Caravan, driven by 49-year-old Matthew J. Fitzthum of Clinton, IN., was westbound on I-70 and traveled off the roadway into the median, ultimately striking a tree.

Fitzthum was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of multiple abrasions and pain. A toxicology screen was performed and indicated Fitzthum Blood alcohol Level was .273.  Fitzthum is scheduled to appear in Putnam County Superior Court on September 19th at 10:00 AM for the following charges.

Charges:           (1) Count Reckless Driving (1) Count Operating with BAC above .15 and (1) Count Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person

The crash was investigated by ISP Senior Trooper Bill Bradbury. Assisting was ISP Sergeants Cory Robinson and Jared Nicoson, Cloverdale Town Marshal’s Office, Putnam County EMS, and Cloverdale Fire/Rescue.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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