Clay County – August 14, 2023, at approximately 12:00 p.m., troopers from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post responded to an emergency 911 call near the twenty-four mile marker westbound on Interstate 70, reporting road rage that led to gunfire. The reported incident involved a driver of a silver Mercury allegedly firing a weapon at a Black Honda. Indiana State Police troopers and officers from the Terre Haute Police Department were able to locate the two vehicles on US 41 near a fueling station and detained the driver of the silver Mercury.
Indiana State Police detectives were called to the scene and the preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of the silver Mercury, Michael E. Smith, age 52, of Wentzville, Missouri, became enraged at the other vehicle while traveling on Interstate 70 and allegedly fired at least one shot at the Honda, striking the other vehicle which was occupied by an adult driver and one child. Detectives were able to secure evidence at the scene.
As a result of the investigation, Michael E. Smith was arrested and transported to the Clay County Justice Center.
Investigating Officers: Indiana State Putnamville Troopers Jason Schoffstall, Ryan Winters, Rondell Shelton, and CSI Sergeants Michael Organ and Tim Rader.
Assisting Agencies: Terre Haute Police Department, Edington’s Wrecker Service.
Arrested and Charges: Michael E. Smith, 52, Wentzville, MO
- Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
- Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
- Criminal Recklessness (2 counts), Level 6 Felony
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
