A New Whiteland man was arrested for driving while intoxicated causing death following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 31 in Whiteland Tuesday evening.
19-year-old Drew Shrader, of Shelbyville, was killed in the crash that occurred at around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of U.S. 31 North and Country Wood Drive, according to Whiteland police.
The preliminary investigation indicates a truck driven by Jeffrey Cobbs, 62, attempted to cross traffic onto U.S. 31 from Country Wood Drive in front of Shrader, who was riding his motorcycle on U.S. 31. Shrader was unable to stop and struck the truck, Whiteland police say.
Whiteland officers heard the crash occur and were on the scene immediately to administer aid. Shrader was transported to Sidney and Lois Eskanazi Hospital in Indianapolis, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Cobbs was uninjured and was transported to the Whiteland police station for an investigation following the crash. He was later arrested on a preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated vehicle causing death, which is a Level 4 Felony. He was still incarcerated as of 10:40 a.m. Wednesday.
Whiteland Police say it appears that alcohol and speed are both possible factors in the collision, however, investigators are continuing their investigation for reconstruction.
Anyone with information related to the crash is requested to contact the Whiteland Police at 317-535-8100. Information can also be submitted on our website at whitelandpd.us or by emailing [email protected].
Whiteland Police Chief Rick Shipp would like to “stress to motorists to please be aware that the warm weather is here and more motorcycles are on the roadways and to please be conscientious of the safety for all traveling,” he said in a statement.
