Tippecanoe County - Friday (4/21/2023) evening, just after 9:00 p.m., an Indiana State Police vehicle was struck while assisting with the removal of a previous crash.
A preliminary investigation by Trooper Smallwood revealed that troopers had the right lane blocked for the removal of a previous crash. Sergeant Schaefer was sitting in his patrol car with the emergency lights activated to warn other vehicles to slow down and move over. While doing so, he was rear-ended by a 2005 Acura TL driven by Mario Sanchez Francisco, 37, from Cicero, IL. While speaking with Francisco, troopers observed signs of impairment, and Francisco failed field sobriety tests.
Trooper Smallwood transported Francisco to a Lafayette area hospital for a certified test, which he refused. Trooper Smallwood was granted a search warrant and obtained a certified test. The preliminary results of the test revealed a .181% BAC. Trooper Smallwood transported Francisco to the Tippecanoe County jail.
Neither driver was injured in the crash.
Arrested and preliminary charges:
- Mario Sanchez Francisco, 37, from Cicero, IL
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangerment – Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
Trooper Smallwood was assisted on the scene by troopers from the Lafayette Post, Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, Purdue Police Department, and Battle Ground Fire Department.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.