By Michael Henrich
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind (July 24, 2014)– A Marion County sheriff’s deputy driving a prisoner transport van struck a pedestrian on the south side of Indianapolis late Thursday, but investigators aren’t sure if the collision caused the victim’s death.
The accident happened in the 5200 block of Madison Avenue around 9:45 p.m.
A spokesperson for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, which is leading the investigation, said witnesses told investigators the victim was already lying in the roadway before the van struck him.
IMPD identified the deceased as Daniel Hanley, 64. The cause of death was said to be multiple blunt force traumatic injuries due to pedestrian struck by vehicle. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
The deputy driving the transport van was taken to Eskenazi Hospital for a blood draw to test for illegal intoxicants, per state law. However, investigators do not believe alcohol or speed were contributing factors.
“If you’re traveling doing normal speeds [on this road,] something can be on you rather quickly,” said Wilburn. “I think that’s what happened this evening.”
The deputy was not injured.
