Driver arrested after fatal crash in Jennings County

A driver has died after an accident Monday night in Jennings County.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to the scene of a collision between a pickup and car at about 9:10 p.m. Monday night near Brush Creek Elementary School on U.S. 50.

The driver of the car, 44-year-old Anthony Lucas of North Vernon was fatally injured in the collision.

The driver of the pickup, 41-year-old James Pittman of North Vernon appeared to be intoxicated and results of a toxicology test are still pending. However, he was arrested on a preliminary felony charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Deputies say that alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash.

Indiana State Police were called in to assist with a crash reconstruction. The highway was closed for about 4 and a half hours while the crash reconstructionists worked at the scene and the accident was cleaned up.

Chief Deputy Cody Low said the accident should be a reminder “of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and failing to wear your seatbelt..

Also assisting at the scene were the North Vernon Police Department, Jennings County medics, and Campbell Township Volunteer Fire Department,