Clinton County – On April 3, 2023, just before 6:00 p.m., Indiana State Police Radio Region 1 Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 southbound near the 161 mile marker. Dispatch received further information that one of the vehicles left the scene of the crash and was at State Road 28 near Interstate 65.
Trooper McQueary located a 2020 Honda Accord that was stopped in the road on the southbound exit ramp from Interstate 65 to State Road 28. The Honda matched the description of the vehicle that left the scene of the crash. The driver of the Honda was later identified to be Andy Salazar, 30, from Lafayette, IN.
While Trooper McQueary was talking to Salazar, he attempted to flee in his vehicle but stopped due to damage from the crash. Troopers then began to give Salazar verbal commands to exit the vehicle, but he did not. Salazar attempted to flee again and went through the median between the exit ramp and Interstate 65. The Honda got stuck in the median, and Salazar attempted to flee on foot toward Interstate 65. Trooper McQueary deployed his taser, which struck Salazar. Once Salazar was taken into custody, troopers requested EMS. Salazar was transported by EMS to a Frankfort area hospital.
While on scene and at the hospital, troopers observed signs of impairment. At the hospital, Salazar consented to a certified test. Salazar was administered a certified test, and those results are pending. Salazar was released from the hospital and was transported to Clinton County Jail.
Arrested and preliminary charges:
- Andy Salazar, 30, from Lafayette, IN
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangerment – Class A Misdemeanor
- Aggressive Driving – Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
- Leaving the scene of a Property Damage Crash – Class B Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
Trooper McQueary was assisted on the scene by troopers from the Lafayette Post, Clinton County EMS, and Jim's Garage.
The other driver was uninjured in the crash.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.