Vigo County—This morning at approximately 8:40, Indiana State Police troopers, Seelyville Fire/Rescue and Trans Care Ambulance Service were dispatched to 8030 East Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute for an unknown call for help.

Preliminary investigation revealed that at 8:00 a.m. 71-year-old Harry Cruse Jr. of 8030 East Wabash Ave had been inside his garage with his red, 1999, Ford Ranger pickup truck and thought he had the vehicle in park as he exited the cab. In fact, the truck was in reverse and began to back up striking Mr. Cruse. The impact with the driver’s side door trapped the upper left leg of Cruse against the overhead garage door framework. Minutes after being pinned, Cruse attempted to dial 911 with his cell phone, but was unable to gain connection. He then dialed his wife’s place of employment and at approximately 0840 they dialed Vigo County 911 for help.

At nearly the same time as Vigo County 911 was receiving the 911 call from family members, Terre Haute resident, Bob Miller, an employee of Paitson Brothers on his way to a service call, was driving by on US 40 (Wabash Avenue) and noticed Mr. Cruse in distress. Miller quickly pulled into the driveway, drove the red Ford pickup forward and freed Mr. Cruse just moments before arrival of emergency services.

Harry Cruse was treated and released from Union Hospital of Terre Haute.

The report was taken by ISP Master Trooper Hans Nowak. Assisting were ISP Troopers, Todd Miles, Joe Watts, Seelyville Fire/Rescue and Trans Care Ambulance Service.