FORTVILLE — An Anderson man was critically injured after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle Friday morning in Fortville. Police are still searching for the driver of the vehicle, believed to be a Ford F-250 pickup.
Terry Huff, 67, Anderson, was struck as he rode in the 1200 block of East State Road 234, sometime before 10:25 a.m., said Robert Harris, public information officer with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. That’s the time a call was made to 911.
“He was hit by a truck, and whoever hit him just took off,” Harris said.
The incident occurred about a half-mile west of State Road 9.
Huff was airlifted to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was rushed into surgery. He was listed in critical condition at press time.
The victim, who was wearing a reflective, bright yellow safety vest, should have been easily visible on the road, officials said. Huff was also wearing a helmet.
Evidence from the scene indicates Huff was riding with traffic (as required by law) near the white fog line when he was struck from behind. Both the bicycle and the suspect vehicle were traveling west. Huff and his bicycle were flung into the ditch along the road.
Investigators have no idea how long Huff had been in the grassy ditch seeking help. He had to flag down a passing car to get aid. The motorist, who called 911, stayed with Huff until help arrived.
“We don’t know how long he was actually in the ditch,” Harris said. “But, we know when the witnesses found him there, there were no other vehicles around.”
Deputies canvassed the area of the accident and are also looking through video surveillance footage provided by several nearby homeowners. They’re hoping to come across footage that will help them identify the driver of the truck.
The hit-and-run driver also left evidence: Parts that broke off upon impact were found at the scene. Those parts indicate the vehicle was a 2017 or newer model Ford F-250 pickup, or a similarly large pickup.
“We found some of the headlight, the headlight lens and markers in the ditch,” Harris said.
Emergency officials feel certain Huff would have died had he not been wearing a helmet.
Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department at (317) 477-1199.
The Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team is investigating the crash.
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Investigators are searching for a late-model Ford F-250 or similarly large pickup truck believed to be involved in Friday’s incident. It will have a broken headlight assembly. Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department at (317) 477-1199.
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