On behalf of the Marshall County Prosecutor’s office, Prosecutor Nelson Chipman recently extended heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families impacted by Wednesday’s bus accident.
In a statement shared with media outlets, Chipman mentioned that the investigation into the fatal crash on U.S. 31 continues. He explained that the lead investigative agency is the Indiana State Police and that he has the utmost confidence in the skills of the ISP officers involved.
Chipman noted that staff at the Prosecutor’s Office is staying in continuous contact with investigators as information is being gathered.
He added that this won’t be a quick process as there are many levels involved with an investigation into a tragedy such as this. He said it will also take time for his office to fairly and thoroughly review the findings of ISP investigators.
Sergeant Ted Bohner, the Public Information Officer for ISP’s Bremen District, noted that there is really no way to set a definitive timetable on the investigation.
He noted that the fact they had U.S. 31 closed for approximately 8 hours for the preliminary crash investigation goes to show the amount of time and energy that goes into the process.
Sergeant Bohner added that the same goes for the toxicology results that are pending for both drivers involved in the crash. He said there is no way to speed the process along and it all depends on how busy the lab is.
He said authorities have to wait until lab technicians have a chance to conduct the tests over the samples and send back the results and there is no way to estimate how long that will take.
Until all the facts are in and there has been an ample opportunity for the Prosecutor’s Office to review all relevant information, Chipman indicated that he refuses to speculate on whether or not criminal charges are appropriate. Bohner echoed that sentiment, saying it is too early to determine whether charges will be necessary or not.
Prosecutor Chipman thanked the community for their patience as the investigation continues to unfold. Additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
