6 hurt in 2 wrecks

Six people were hurt in two wrecks investigated by police in Jackson and Jennings counties Thursday.

The most serious wreck was reported in the 1300 block of East County Road 25N in the Brownstown area at 6:45 p.m. Thursday

According to a report from county Officer Jeff Walters, that wreck left Gavin Gay, 19, Brownstown, hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Walters said Gay told police he was driving a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am to work when he lost control of the vehicle in a curve. The vehicle left the road and went into a wooded area, striking a tree.

Gay said he did not know why he lost control of the vehicle.

He also told police he was not wearing a seat belt. The vehicle's air bags, however, deployed at the time of impact.

Gay went to a nearby residence after the wreck. He was treated for neck injuries and taken to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour by Jackson County Emergency Medical Services personnel before being taken to Methodist.

Walters, who was assisted by county Lt. Andy Wayman, said police believe alcohol and speed were a factor in the wreck.

A second wreck, reported at U.S. 50 and County Road 240W in Jennings County at 3:45 p.m., left five motorists with injuries and destroyed the three vehicles involved, according to a report from Jennings County Sheriff Steve Hoppock.

Hoppock said a 1987 Oldsmobile Delta driven by 20-year-old Jedadiah D. McCrory of North Vernon was westbound on U.S. 50 and preparing to turn left on to County Road 240W when a westbound 2004 Pontiac van driven by 58-year-old Monterey B. Gillmer of North Vernon failed to stop.

The impact forced McCrory's vehicle into an eastbound 2006 Pontiac G-6 driven by Michelle Foster, 20, North Vernon. Foster's vehicle left the road and struck a ditch.

All three of the drivers, as well as two passengers in McCrory's vehicle, Justin M. Littrell, 20, and Chadd A. Stearns, 20, both of North Vernon, were transported by Jennings County EMS to area hospitals.
The wreck left U.S. 50 closed for a short time as crews cleaned up debris.

Lt. Kevin Hall investigated that wreck and was assisted by Lt. Bryan Talkington, Reserve Officer Shannon Grunden and Maj. Jerry Shepherd as well as the North Vernon Fire Department and area first responders.