HowardCounty - This morning, at approximately 2:24 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and Howard County Sheriff's Department responded to a single vehicle crash on State Road 22 east of County Road 1000 East, which killed a Marion, IN, man.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Aaron Schaal revealed that a 1997 Mercedes S500 driven by Charles S. Neeley, 58, Marion, IN, was traveling eastbound on State Road 22 near County Road 1000 East. The Mercedes drifted off the south side of the road, overcorrected, and crossed the center line. The Mercedes then traveled off the north side of State Road 22 hitting an earth embankment and becoming airborne. The vehicle then rolled numerous times coming to rest on its top.

Neeley was ejected from the vehicle and thrown approximately 70 feet from the Mercedes. He was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force body trauma by Howard County Coroner Jay Price. Further investigation revealed that Neeley was allegedly over the .08 blood alcohol concentration level in which a driver is considered intoxicated in Indiana. He also purportedly had a narcotic in his system. Excessive speed is also believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. 

"The Mercedes held up pretty well despite rolling numerous times," stated Trooper Schaal. "If the driver would have been wearing his seat belt, he most likely would have survived the crash."

The crash was reported by a passing motorist. Officers do not know the exact time the crash occurred and are asking for the publics' assistance. If anyone has information about this crash they are asked to contact Trooper Aaron Schaal by calling the Indiana State Police Peru Post at 1-800-382-0689.

Trooper Schaal was assisted by Howard County EMA, the Greentown Fire Department, and Howard Regional Hospital EMS.

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