Vigo County— June 18, 2023
A motorcyclist being pursued by the Indiana State Police died with he struck another vehicle Friday night, June 16, 2023, at approximately 7:10 p.m., according to a press release distributed by the Indiana State Police. Emergency workers responded to the fatal collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle at the intersection of 3rd Street and Bayh Way.
Trooper Daniel Organ from the Putnamville State Police Post initiated a traffic stop on a 2012 Suzuki motorcycle at the intersection of 3rd Street and 8th Avenue due to a registration violation, said ISP.
The motorcyclist disregarded Trooper Organ’s emergency lights, and rapidly accelerated southbound away from the scene, said ISP.
The motorcyclist continued at a high speed, disregarding a red traffic light at the intersection of 3rd Street and Locust Street. Despite momentarily coming to a complete stop at the intersection of 3rd Street and Chestnut, the motorcyclist quickly resumed their southbound trajectory on 3rd Street, still maintaining a high rate of speed, according to ISP.
At the crucial intersection of 3rd Street and Bayh Way, a 2002 Jeep Liberty driven by Brian Scott, aged 53 and a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, had the right of way with a green turn arrow as he attempted to make a westbound turn onto Bayh Way. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist, traveling southbound, ignored the red light and collided with Scott’s vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from the motorcycle.
Medical assistance was immediately provided to the injured motorcyclist, who was later transported to a local hospital. Tragically, the cyclist, identified as Kaleb Long, aged 24, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, succumbed to the injuries sustained from the accident. Brian Scott emerged from the collision unharmed.
The accident is currently under reconstruction by Trooper Rondell Shelton from the Putnamville State Police Post, with assistance from other troopers, to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the fatal crash.
Family members of the deceased have been notified.
Multiple agencies provided assistance at the scene, including the West Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana State University Police Department, Terre Haute Police Department, Terre Haute Fire Department, Vigo County Coroner’s Office, and Absolute Towing.
