Indiana State Police press release
Thursday, August 25, Indiana State Police troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post investigated a three-vehicle crash on I-65 in Jackson County where a Franklin County motorcyclist was flown to a Louisville, Kentucky hospital with serious injuries.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Crash Reconstruction Team indicates that, shortly after 5:30 pm, an Indiana State Trooper was patrolling on I-65 in southern Bartholomew County. The trooper observed a motorcycle driving erratically southbound on I-65. Due to the trooper not being in a position to catch up to the motorcycle, he radioed the information to other troopers in the area.
Trp. Clayton Saltzman was in the area and began observing for the motorcycle. He located the 2008 Aprilia motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to a registration violation and driving behavior, near the 52-mile marker, just north of Seymour. Upon activating his lights, the motorcyclist, later identified as Robert Pettry, age 26, accelerated rapidly away from him. Within seconds of Trp. Saltzman attempting to stop the motorcycle, Pettry attempted to pass a red 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, being driven by Marlee Rogers, age 32, New Lothrop, Michigan, on the shoulder of the interstate. Pettry’s vehicle collided with the left rear of Rogers’ vehicle. As a result, Pettry was ejected from the motorcycle. Pettry’s motorcycle continued to travel southbound where it was then struck by a third vehicle before catching fire.
Pettry sustained serious injuries in the collision. Trp. Saltzman was on scene very quickly and immediately provided medical attention, which included applying multiple tourniquets due to traumatic injuries sustained by Pettry. Trp. Saltzman’s actions controlled the bleeding until EMS arrived on scene.
Pettry was airlifted to a Louisville, Kentucky area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Toxicology tests are pending.
The southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for nearly three hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles wrote the press release