Teen, Infant Struck By Vehicle, Killed
Driver Had Marijuana In His System, Police Say
POSTED: 7:45 a.m. EST September 5, 2002
UPDATED: 7:53 a.m. EST September 6, 2002
HOPE, Ind. -- Two children died Wednesday night after they were struck by a vehicle in Bartholomew County, according to police.
Investigators said Jerika Bair, 14, was walking Bryce Shuff, 2, in a stroller along a rural road when they were struck from behind. Both lived in Hope.
Bryce's mother was walking with the children, but she was not injured.
The collision happened around 6:45 p.m. near the town of Hope, RTV6 reported.
Police said the driver, Ben Weaver (pictured, left), 24, of Hope, tested positive for marijuana after the collision. The Bartholomew County prosecutor's office said Weaver was arrested on two preliminary charges of causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a controlled substance.
Weaver was being held Thursday with bail set at $16,000.
The Republic of Columbus reported Weaver told deputies he
didn't see the children due to the bright sun and because his
wipers were clearing insects off the windshield.
Investigators said Jerika Bair, 14, was walking Bryce Shuff, 2, in a stroller along a rural road when they were struck from behind. Both lived in Hope.
Bryce's mother was walking with the children, but she was not injured.
The collision happened around 6:45 p.m. near the town of Hope, RTV6 reported.
Police said the driver, Ben Weaver (pictured, left), 24, of Hope, tested positive for marijuana after the collision. The Bartholomew County prosecutor's office said Weaver was arrested on two preliminary charges of causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a controlled substance.
Weaver was being held Thursday with bail set at $16,000.
The Republic of Columbus reported Weaver told deputies he
didn't see the children due to the bright sun and because his
wipers were clearing insects off the windshield.
Copyright 2002 by TheIndyChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
