Published: August 26, 2008 11:37 am         

ATV crash sends three to hospital

FLORA — Three Carroll County residents ended up hospitalized after an ATV accident just south of Flora on Saturday night.

Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Tholen is investigating an ATV accident about 11 p.m. near 150S and 50E. Witnesses reported that an ATV operated by 20-year-old Jesse Downham was traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided into a stopped or slowly moving ATV operated by 19-year-old Levi Byrd.

A total of three people went to the hospital, two with minor injuries. Byrd was airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Tholen reported that Byrd was in stable condition.

According to Tholen, none of the subjects involved in the accident was wearing a helmet.

Alcohol might have been a factor in the crash, Tholen said. Downham was arrested on charges of minor consumption and operating an ATV while intoxicated. He was also cited for speeding.

All four ATV drivers were cited for riding the off-road vehicles on the roadway.

Tholen said more charges may be filed pending toxicology results.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, Flora Police Department, Carroll County EMS and Indiana State Police also responded to the scene.