Indiana State Police Investigate Single Vehicle Fatal Crash on Interstate 65

Tippecanoe County – This morning, just after 3:30 a.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 65 northbound near the 170 mile marker.

A preliminary investigation by Trooper McKinney revealed that a Jeep was traveling northbound near the 170 mile marker. For an unknown reason, the Jeep ran off the east side of the road, overcorrected, went back across the interstate, and struck the guard rail in the median. The Jeep then went through the guard rail and came to rest, facing northbound on the inside shoulder of the southbound lanes. The Jeep then became fully engulfed in flames.

The passenger of the Jeep was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash by the Tippecanoe County Coroner. The passenger's name will be released at a later date by the Tippecanoe County Coroner.

The driver fled on foot from the scene of the crash. After searching the area, officers were able to locate the driver near the interstate and safely take him into custody. The driver was identified as Max Vanegas, 35, from Indianapolis.

During the course of their investigation, troopers were able to develop probable cause to believe the driver was under the influence. The driver was transported to a local hospital for a certified test. The results of that test are pending. The driver was medically cleared from the hospital and transported to Tippecanoe County Jail. 

Arrested and preliminary charges:

- Max Vanegas, 35, from Indianapolis

1. Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash - Level 3 Felony

2. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Causing Death - Level 4 Felony

3. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated - Endangerment - Class A Misdemeanor 

4. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated - Class C Misdemeanor 

Trooper McKinney was assisted on the scene by other troopers from the Lafayette Post, Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department, West Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office, Lafayette Fire Department, Tippecanoe Emergency Management, Tippecanoe County EMS, and INDOT.

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.