Fountain County- Today at approximately 3:15 p.m, Indiana State Police from the Lafayette Post responded to a personal injury crash southbound on US 41 near County Road 200 north in Fountain County.

Trooper Kyle Wentland advised that an Indiana Department of Transportation pickup, a white Ford F-350 driven by Melvin E. Brier, 53 years old from Covington, IN, had stopped on US 41. Signs advising of mowing crews along the roadway and the truck’s emergency lights on the roof and his flashing lights were activated at the time.  While stopped in the road talking to his mowing crews, a gray 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Matthew J. Lawhorn, 28 years old from Covington, IN, struck the F-350 in the rear damaging both trucks.  Lawhorn was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN by Lifeline Helicopter with non-life threatening injuries to his right leg and angle.  Brier was transported to IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN by Fountain County EMS with a complaint back and neck pain.  Brier was wearing his seatbelt and Lawhorn was not.  The investigation is continuing.

When entering a construction zone or a mowing zone, drivers should be aware of construction workers, machinery or vehicles moving slowly or stopping in the roadway.  Signs are posted well in advance to tell you that you are entering the zone and to be mindful of the area you have entered.  Slow down and be prepared to stop if the conditions warrant.  Slow down and save a life.  It may be your own.

Assisting at the scene were the Fountain County Sheriff’s Department and Veedersburg Fire Department.

All Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.