Police tragedy

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

This is really terrible.


COVINGTON, Ind. (CBS) -- Former Lake County Police Chief Gary Martin was one of two police officers killed Tuesday in an accident while on a charity bike ride across the state, officials said.

Indiana University Northwest officials confirmed Martin was fatally struck by a car near the Indiana-Illinois state line. Since his recent retirement, Martin has been a professor at the university.

Indiana State Police spokesman Sergeant Joe Watts says the group was on a charity bike ride near Covington when a truck struck a vehicle that crashed into the bicyclists. At least three other officers were injured.

The group was traveling on State Road 63 about two miles south of Interstate 74 in Vermillion County along the Indiana-Illinois state line. They were raising money for surviving spouses of state police officers who were killed on duty.

About 32 police officers planned to ride 1,100 miles over 13 days. The ride began August 16 and was to end August 28 in Indianapolis.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Vermillion County - At least two police officers were killed and another three were injured Tuesday after a chain-reaction car accident the officers' bicycles near the Indiana-Illinois state line.

Sgt. Dave Bursten with the Indiana State Police confirms that Trooper Gary Dudley was killed. The name of the other officer is not being released at this time.

Indiana State Police spokesman Sergeant Joe Watts says the group was on a charity bike ride near Covington when a truck struck a vehicle that then crashed into the bicyclists.

The accident happened around 12:30, halfway through the day's 102-mile ride. Ten officers from six departments were among those cycling across state to raise money for the families of those killed in the line of duty. They were travelling south on State route 63, followed by a support vehicle, when a freight truck crashed into it from behind.


"When that struck the support vehicle, it was forced into the group of cyclists and the aftermath resulted in two fatalities and three injuries," said Sgt. Watts.

One cyclist was airlifted to a hospital in Champaign and the drivers of both vehicles were taken to a local hospital, all with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities aren't sure what caused the truck to crash.

Watts says conditions were good, traffic was sparse and the support vehicle had flashing lights and a safety banner.

Officials from several departments responded. The call here was tough for all involved, especially the cyclists, who stood watch as investigators worked the scene and as a hearse carried off their fellow officers.

"It's been very traumatic," said Watts.

There were 39 riders in the group when the accident occurred.

Last week, on August 16th, 14 officers gathered for a morning prayer at the Indiana Law Enforcement and Firefighters Memorial downtown. It was the kick-off to the 13-day cycling event across the state.

The police officers planned to ride 1,100 miles, raising money for surviving spouses and family members of police officers killed during the past year

[firetruckred]

I am saddened to hear of this tragedy. God be with those who have lost these fine Police Officers.

[needlejockey]

That's horrible. Even more sad that they were riding for a charity to benifit the families of fallen officers only to join the ranks of the fallen. So so sad.

[superchef]

How tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those officers. My heart aches for their losses. May those who were injured have a full and speedy recovery.

[pkfd7505]

That is truely a tragedy. God bless those Brothers in Blue and their families.

[MalahatTwo7]

Truly a sad day. Rest in Peace, Brothers.

[NJFFSA16]

May they rest in Peace...

COVINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Indiana State Police say it could take
several weeks for investigators to complete their review of a crash
that killed two police officers on a charity bike ride in western
Indiana yesterday.
A report will be submitted to the Vermillion County prosecutor's
office for a decision on whether any charges will be filed.
Two riders were killed when a truck hit a van that was with the
riders, spinning it into the bicyclists on Indiana 63 just south of
Interstate 74 near the Illinois state line.
They're identified as former Lake County Police Chief Gary
Martin of Merrillville and Indiana State Police Lieutenant Gary
Dudley of Indianapolis.
Retired Indianapolis Police Officer Spencer Moore was injured.
The ride has been called off and it's uncertain if it will
resume.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[BFDNJFF]

RIP Brothers.

[firetruckred]

info already posted.