Police investigate teen falling from car door; helmet credited with preventing serious injuries

Two Jennings County residents were injured in separate accidents during the past two days.

The most recent incident involved a 15-year-old who police say fell off the door of a 1996 Ford Mustang driven by a 16-year-old boy. That incident occurred on Country Manor Drive in Country Squire Lakes around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

According to a report from the Jennings County Sheriff's Department, the 15-year-old struck his head on the pavement after falling off the door of the car. He was treated by Rescue 20 and taken to St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon, where he was listed in stable condition.

Officer Jason Bliton said in his report several witnesses told investigators the 16-year-old was driving the Mustang at a slow speed at the time of the incident. The investigation continues to determine if charges will be filed against the driver, Bliton said in a report.

Bliton was assisted by Officer Tom Webster and Geneva Township firefighters.

Cycle crashes

The other incident occurred Wednesday and involved a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle driven by Jerry Lee Earl, 56, of North Vernon on Interstate 65 near the 41-mile-marker in the Uniontown area.

Indiana State Trooper Eric Meyer said in his report that Earl was driving south in the passing lane of I-65 when a semitrailer pulled into the path of his motorcycle. Earl drove into the median to avoid a wreck. He then lost control of the motorcycle, which flipped several times before stopping.

Earl, who complained of shoulder, neck and back pain, was treated and taken to Schneck Medical Center by Jackson County Emergency Medical Services personnel and taken to Schneck Medical Center.

Meyer said Earl was alert and talking to police in the emergency room.

Meyer said Earl, who had cuts and scratches all over his body, was hearing his helmet, which he said lessened Earl's injuries and most likely saved his life.