Plainfield, IN – Shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon emergency crews were dispatched to eastbound I-70 at SR 267, in Hendricks County, on the report of a serious crash involving a passenger car and a semi-truck.
Preliminary investigation indicates there may have been debris in the right lane of EB I-70 that the passenger car slowed for or came to a stop and then was struck by the semi in the rear end. The driver of the car was identified as 49 year old Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief James (Jim) Waters, he was transported to IU Methodist Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
He was off duty at the time of the crash driving an unmarked Ford Fusion police vehicle. The driver of the 2000 Peterbilt was 64 year old David Carter of Oklahoma, he was not injured.
An off duty IMPD officer saw the aftermath of the crash and stopped to render aid. Officers from the Plainfield Police Department and members of the Plainfield Fire Department arrived on scene very quickly and provided emergency medical aid.
Indiana State Police Investigators are still reconstructing the crash. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash however, per Indiana State Law, both drivers are being tested for alcohol.
Chief Bryan Roach stated, “Our department asks for the city’s prayers for off-duty Deputy Chief of Investigation James (Jim) Waters who, after being involved in a serious auto accident, continues to receive treatment at a local hospital.”
