Bartholomew County: This afternoon a crash involving a Bartholomew County deputy resulted in minor injuries. According to Sergeant Brian Wilson, this afternoon shortly after 1:00 Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputy, 39-year-old Chad Swank of Columbus was traveling eastbound on County Road 800 North approaching County Road 500 East. Deputy Swank was responding to an emergency call and his lights and siren on his fully marked 2010 Ford Crown Victoria were in operation. Also eastbound on CR 800N and in front of Deputy Swank was a 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by 23-year-old Claire Shoaf also of Columbus. As Deputy Swank pulled out to pass the Shoaf vehicle, she made a left turn to go north on CR 500E into the path of the deputy. Deputy Swank took evasive action to avoid the collision but struck the Jeep Cherokee in the right rear. Deputy Swank was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital with a complaint of pain in his hand. Shoaf and her three-year-old son, Wesley were also transported to Columbus Regional Hospital suffering from what appeared to be minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Sgt. Wilson was assisted at the scene by Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Clifford Fire Department, and Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance Service.