FREMONT, IN (WTVB) – An Oregon man was killed Sunday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road near I-69 when he stepped out into traffic and was struck by a semi-tractor trailer.
The accident happened around 1:15 p.m. near mile marker 142, two miles west of I-69 in Steuben County.
Indiana State Police troopers says it appears 45-year-old Michael Shaw of Portland, Oregon had been driving a 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck prior to developing a mechanical problem, at which time he pulled over to the shoulder. Shaw was traveling with family members in the passenger vehicle that had pulled over with him.
Troopers say Shaw exited his pickup truck and raised the hood to assess the problem. For an unknown reason, Shaw walked out from in front of his truck and was standing in the right lane of travel, apparently not noticing an oncoming semi-tractor trailer. Shaw was then struck in the roadway by that semi-tractor.
They say the driver of the 2020 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer, 30-year-old Princ Blakaj of Bronx, New York, immediately pulled over after striking Shaw.
As a result of the crash, Blakaj was not injured, but was transported to a local area hospital for a chemical test blood draw as required by Indiana law. Those test results are pending.
Troopers say this is an ongoing investigation, which upon conclusion will be turned over to the Steuben County Prosecutor for a full review and determination of any warranted charges.
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