A harrowing incident unfolded just before 11 p.m. on Thursday when Indiana State Police Trooper Haley Howard was struck by a suspected drunk driver while protecting fellow officers in a construction zone along Interstate 65 near Hanna Avenue on Indianapolis' south side. Howard had positioned her patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated to shield a colleague who was assisting a disabled motorist when 28-year-old Devin Glass allegedly rear-ended her squad car at interstate speeds. The impact completely destroyed the rear of Howard's patrol vehicle, but fortunately, she remained inside the car during the collision. Howard was initially transported to a local hospital for evaluation but has since been released after sustaining bruises with no broken bones reported. Glass was arrested at the scene on charges of operating while intoxicated and reckless driving in a work zone after officers observed signs of impairment and discovered open alcohol containers in his vehicle. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the daily dangers faced by first responders and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred in a construction zone along Interstate 65 near the Hanna Avenue interchange on Indianapolis' south side, an area known for reduced shoulder space and challenging driving conditions. This section of I-65 serves as a major north-south corridor through Marion County, carrying thousands of vehicles daily between downtown Indianapolis and southern suburbs. Construction zones along this stretch create particularly hazardous conditions due to narrowed lanes, concrete barriers, and limited escape routes for emergency vehicles. The Hanna Avenue area represents a critical junction where local traffic merges with interstate traffic, often creating congestion and requiring heightened driver attention. The absence of adequate shoulders in work zones forces emergency responders to position their vehicles in active traffic lanes, significantly increasing their vulnerability to rear-end collisions. Indiana Department of Transportation has implemented various safety measures in construction zones, but the combination of darkness, reduced visibility, and impaired drivers continues to pose serious risks to both motorists and emergency personnel working along this busy interstate corridor.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana Code, operating a vehicle while intoxicated constitutes a serious offense with enhanced penalties when occurring in construction zones or involving emergency vehicles. The suspect faces potential charges including Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and reckless driving in a work zone, which carry increased fines and possible license suspension. Indiana's "Move Over Law" requires drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights, violations of which can result in significant penalties. Victims of drunk driving accidents may pursue compensation through multiple avenues, including the at-fault driver's insurance coverage and potentially uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Available damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Indiana follows a comparative fault system, though intoxicated drivers typically bear full liability for resulting accidents. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the accident. Public employees injured in the line of duty may also have additional protections and benefits through workers' compensation systems and specific statutory provisions protecting law enforcement officers.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Indiana State Police District 52: (317) 899-8577
• Marion County Sheriff's Office: (317) 327-1700
• Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services: 911

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division
• Indiana Department of Transportation Work Zone Safety Information
• National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana Chapter
• Indiana Victim Assistance Programs
• Police Officer Support and Counseling Services
• Marion County Victim Assistance Program: (317) 327-3811

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/titles/009
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Traffic Safety Laws
• Indiana State Police Crash Report Information
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services: (317) 232-2385