Capsule Reports - Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Passing accident

A Pennville woman was cited for improperly passing another vehicle after she sideswiped a Redkey man’s truck along Indiana 1 about 6:29 p.m. Monday.

Michelle L. Bickel, 45, was driving her 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer south on the highway near 2582 N. Indiana 1, Pennville, when she began to pass a semi in front of her. In the process, she sideswiped a northbound 2012 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 44-year-old Garry L. Horner. Bickel’s vehicle continued into a ditch on the east side of the road.

Witness Josh Morey of Bluffton — he was driving behind Bickel — told Jay County Sheriff’s Office that Bickel had been driving recklessly in Pennville and that she pulled out in front of a semi. He also alleged she nearly crashed into a northbound motorcycle driver on a first attempt to pass another semi, with the second attempt resulting in her sideswiping Horner’s vehicle.

Bickel sustained a minor face wound. Damage is estimated between $1,000 and $2,500.