RIPLEY COUNTY — A driver was arrested on numerous charges after authorities say he caused an accident with serious injuries in Ripley County on Saturday.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police (ISP) indicated that shortly before 10 p.m., an SUV driven by Justin S. Palmer, 25, of Milan, was traveling east on State Road 48 near State Road 129 in Ripley County and entered State Road 129 into the path of a southbound SUV, operated by James M. Ratliff, 36, of Milan.
Ratliff’s car collided with Palmer’s and overturned, per ISP. Both drivers were taken to a Batesville hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A passenger in Ratliff’s vehicle, Megan L. Hountz, 35, of Milan, became entrapped. She was freed and transported by helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. Four juveniles in Ratliff’s vehicle were also taken to the Batesville hospital for treatment.
ISP says Palmer showed signs of allegedly being intoxicated. The suspect was arrested and taken to Ripley County Jail on charges of operating while being a habitual traffic violator, operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, and operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction.
The investigation is ongoing. Toxicology results are pending.
