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Speeding Drivers Beware As ISP Aircraft Takes To The Air

Last updated on Friday, December 15, 2017

(PUTNAMVILLE) - On Tuesday, for the fifth time in recent weeks, troopers from the Putnamville Post utilized aircraft for their speed enforcement efforts.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Lee Wright, from the ISP Aviation Section, piloted his Cessna 172 Skyhawk to the Putnamville District, and joined forces with Putnamville District officers, Sergeant Jared Nicoson, and Troopers Bill Bradbury, Tom Hanks, Brent Robinson, and Erik Smith.

Patrolling high above US 41 in southern Sullivan County, Sgt. Wright would detect speeding vehicles below, utilizing his VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) and a set of pre-determined painted lines on the roadways edge. Sgt. Wright would then radio the units below and guide them to the target vehicle to ensure the correct vehicle was stopped for enforcement action.

During the three hour period, 2pm to 5pm, troopers issued (19) traffic citations (16 for speeding) and (29) warnings. The highest speed of the afternoon was 85mph in a 60mph zone.

Drivers are highly encouraged to obey the posted speed limits, as ISP will be increasing aircraft patrols throughout the coming 2018 year.

On Friday, December 8th, Troopers from the Indiana State Police Lowell Post conducted a traffic blitz on I-65 in Lake County with the assistance of the Indiana State Police Aviation Section.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Lee Wright piloted his Cessna 172 Skyhawk high above I-65 and at the same time he would observe speeding vehicles below. Using his VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) and a set of pre-determined painted lines on the roadway, Sgt. Wright would then radio the Troopers below and guide them to the target vehicle to ensure the correct vehicle was stopped and appropriate action taken as to a citation or warning.

During the four hour period of 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., Troopers issued 54 traffic citations (34 for speeding) and 51 warnings. Two criminal arrests were made, 1 crash was investigated, 8 trucks were inspected with one being placed out of service. The highest speed recorded during the blitz was 96 m.p.h. The speed limit on this particular stretch of roadway is 55 m.p.h.

This is just the first of what will be an ongoing statewide effort using the aviation section for traffic enforcement and ensuring speed limit compliance on all of Indiana's roadways.

Troopers participating in the enforcement blitz were Troopers Brian White, Brandon Bohling, Jason Pratt, Rogelio Escutia, Russell Hayes, Lionel Douglas, Justin Heflin, Glen Fifield and Duane Haliburton. Sgt. Brian Millard and MCI Wanda Clay also assisted.

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