Putnam County - May 11, 2023, at approximately 11:25 a.m., troopers from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and other first responders were dispatched near the thirty-two mile marker westbound on Interstate 70, due to an accident involving two commercial motor vehicles.
The preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Bill Bradbury revealed that Benjamin Polk, age 32, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was driving a 2021 Freightliner westbound on Interstate 70 near the thirty-two-mile marker in the passing lane. Polk was attempting to pass a 2015 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer that was driven by a Jean Cadet, age 37, of State College, Pennsylvania, when he ran into the rear of Cadet’s semi, sideswiping it. Polk overcorrected causing his semi to tip over onto the driver's side. Cadet immediately applied his brakes. Polk’s overturned semi continued sliding westbound, eventually coming to rest in front of Cadet’s stopped semi. After coming to a stop, Polk immediately climbed out of the passenger side window and attempted to flee from the accident scene. Correctional Officers from a transport vehicle observed Polk running and were able to apprehend him until troopers could arrive at the accident scene.
Upon Master Trooper Bradbury’s arrival to the scene, he spoke to Polk and immediately detected signs of intoxication. Polk refused to submit to any field sobriety test and to a certified chemical test. Polk was then transported to Putnam County Hospital due to a complaint of pain. Once cleared medically, Polk was transported to the Putnam County Jail where he was incarcerated. No other injuries were reported.
Master Trooper Bradbury was assisted at the crash scene by several troopers of the Putnamville Post, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Wrecker Service, and Putnam County EMS.
Interstate 70 westbound near the thirty-two-mile marker was reduced to one lane for cleanup for approximately three hours.
Arrested and Preliminary Charges: Benjamin Polk, 32, Indianapolis, IN
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class C Misdemeanor
Photos: Accident Scene.
All criminal defendants are to presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
