WASHINGTON – The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a serious two-vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of US 50 and Troy Road on Saturday, May 31, resulting in critical injuries to one individual and the arrest of a driver for operating while intoxicated.
At approximately 4:38 p.m., Daviess County Central Dispatch received a report of a collision, with one individual reportedly being ejected from a vehicle.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a 1974 Jeep Renegade, driven by 60-year-old David Love of Francisco, Indiana, was traveling north on Troy Road. A 2017 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 39-year-old Ronelle Linneweber of Vincennes, was westbound on US 50. The Jeep Renegade reportedly crossed the eastbound lanes but failed to yield the right-of-way to westbound traffic, pulling into the path of the Jeep Cherokee.
As a result of the collision, the passenger of the Jeep Renegade, Thomas Wirts, 65, of Washington, was ejected from the vehicle. Wirts was transported to Daviess Community Hospital and subsequently transferred to an Evansville hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition.
David Love, the driver of the Jeep Renegade, was transported to Daviess Community Hospital and treated for minor injuries. He submitted to a chemical test, which reportedly showed a blood alcohol content of 0.19. After being released from the emergency room, Love was transported to the Daviess County Security Center on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing serious bodily injury.
Linneweber, the driver of the Jeep Cherokee, was transported to Daviess Community Hospital by personal vehicle and treated for minor injuries.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency, with the Indiana State Police assisting by reconstructing the accident. Assisting at the scene were the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Daviess County Ambulance Service, Briggeman’s Wrecker Service, and Tri County Wrecker Service.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
