VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Clinton man is facing charges in connection to a fatal wreck in July 2021 in northern Vigo County.
Ethan Kelsheimer was arrested early Wednesday morning by the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. He faces a charge of of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or catastrophic injury and a charge of leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or severe bodily injury, both of which are felony charges.
Kelsheimer also faces a charge of knowingly or intentionally operating motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the charges stem from a wreck on S. State Road 63 and Trinity Ave on July 22, 2021.
Vigo County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene of a two vehicle wreck between a car and a pickup truck. Once the crews arrived on scene, it was determined that the driver of the car was deceased. The driver of the pickup truck, later identified as Kelsheimer, had left the scene claiming to get help and had not returned, according to the affidavit.
The driver of the car was pronounced dead on scene and identified as Alexander Rodie. Rodie’s wife, Victoria Donna, was the front seat passenger in the car and was sent to Union Hospital for her injuries.
Kelsheimer was originally arrested on July 22, but according to the affidavit, Vigo County Prosecutor Roberts told law enforcement that they were going to hold off on charges, and Kelsheimer was released.
Kelsheimer had his initial hearing in Vigo County Superior Court 6 Wednesday afternoon and was released on his own recognizance.
A pretrial date has been set for August 4 at 1:30 p.m. A trial date has been set for October 3 at 1 p.m.
