VINCENNES — A tragic morning in Knox County left one man dead and resulted in the arrest of a Washington resident following two separate crashes at the same intersection on Tuesday.
The double-accident event began just before noon at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Anson Road, a junction that remained hazardous for several hours as emergency crews worked two distinct scenes.
The initial crash involved a heavy dump truck and a pickup truck. According to the Indiana State Police, a pickup driven by 88-year-old Marlin Drieman of Monroe City was traveling south on Anson Road. Investigators report that Drieman failed to yield at the intersection, entering the path of an eastbound dump truck.
The dump truck, operated by 46-year-old Scotty Demoss of Solsberry, struck the passenger side of the pickup.
Marlin Drieman was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead. Scotty Demoss was also transported for a medical evaluation, though his injuries were not immediately classified as life-threatening.
Second Crash Leads to Felony Arrest
While first responders were actively managing the fatal scene, a second two-vehicle collision occurred in the westbound lanes of U.S. 50 at the very same intersection.
Authorities state that Richard Allen Walton, 62, of Washington, was driving a 2013 Chrysler westbound when he allegedly crossed the center line. His vehicle struck a 2020 Kia driven by Ashlee Miller of Montgomery. The impact was severe enough to cause Walton’s Chrysler to overturn.
Miller was not injured in the crash.
During the subsequent investigation, troopers discovered that Walton’s driving privileges had been permanently revoked. A BMV check revealed he is a habitual traffic violator for life.
After receiving medical clearance at Good Samaritan Hospital, Walton was booked into the Knox County Jail, where he is currently being held on bond.
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.
