Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON - Excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors to a one-car accident Saturday, according to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department report.
Both the driver and passenger were treated for injuries and released by Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The accident occurred at 7:55 p.m. on Ind. 13, 407 feet south of CR 600S, Pierceton.
According to the accident report, the driver, Billy J. Persinger, 27, Kokomo, would not admit to being the driver of the vehicle and was very combative at the scene of the accident and at KCH. His blood-alcohol content was 0.26 percent, officials said.
However, the passenger in the vehicle, Ashley Turner, age not given, Russiaville, told police Persinger was the driver and was not familiar with the roadway. He lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle crossed the center line of the road and left the roadway, rolling over three times. It came to a rest on its top in a field on the east side of Ind. 13.
Persinger was wearing a harness, but it was not effective and he was thrown from the vehicle. Persinger suffered a broken leg.
Turner also was wearing a seat belt and was trapped in the vehicle. She complained of facial pain.
Because of his injuries, Persinger was not arrested but a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to the KCSD report.
