On June 2, 2021, approximately 9:21 p.m., Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 76.5 mile-marker of S I65 in reference to a personal injury accident.
While responding to the accident, Dispatch advised deputies that one of the people involved in the accident had stolen a vehicle from a bystander and fled the scene. Deputy Grant Carlson located the stolen vehicle, which had also been wrecked, about one-half mile south of the original accident’s location.
The suspect, later identified as Cordell Jackson, Jr., 39, Indianapolis, exited the vehicle, jumped over the cable barrier located in the median and ran into oncoming traffic. A semi-truck, unable to stop, struck and killed Mr. Jackson.
The driver of the semi was not suspected to be under the influence; however, he was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for a blood draw.
It is currently unknown as to why Mr. Jackson ran into oncoming traffic.
Indiana State Police Trooper Matt Holley responded to the scene for accident reconstruction. The investigation is ongoing.
Primary Officers: BCSO Deputy Carlson, ISP Trooper Holley
Assisting Officers: Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers, Deputy Warner, Deputy Newland, Deputy Fluhr, Deputy Clark, Trooper Eggers, Trooper Simpkins, Officer Tompkins
Agencies on Scene: Indiana State Police, Edinburgh Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Regional Hospital EMS, German Township Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Department of Transportation, Bartholomew County EOC