Jasper County-Indiana State Police Trooper Carl Hall responded to a single vehicle crash on I-65 southbound  at the 231 mile marker (this is one mile north of the Demotte exit) where the driver and his passenger were extremely lucky that they had been wearing their seat belts.

Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 5:50 pm, this evening, Brandon M. Stefano, 18 of Schererville was driving his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on I-65 in the left lane when he swerved to the right to avoid tire tread in the road.  Stefano overcorrected back to the left and went off the road.  The Camaro went into the grassy median where it rolled three times and came to rest on its driver’s side up against a tree.  The Camaro had T-tops and the roof above Stefano and his passenger, Jessica L. Kaminsky, 18 of Schererville was open.  Both Stefano and Kaminsky were wearing their seat belts and stayed inside the vehicle.

Stefano and Kaminsky were taken to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point for cuts and abrasions.

The left lane was closed for approximately 45 minutes for removal of the injured and towing of the Camaro.  The Camaro was a total loss.

Trooper Hall stated, “They could have easily been ejected out of the Camaro had they not both taken the time to wear their seat belts.  This is a good example of why wearing your seat belt could save your life.”

Agencies assisting:  Indiana State Police Trooper Dan Avitia, Jasper County Sheriff Department, Keener Township Fire and Ambulance and Cheever’s Towing.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.