Monday, February 13, 2017, 9:14 AM
An early morning crash on I-465 has claimed the life of a Noblesville man. Just before 2:30a.m. emergency crews were called to I-465 eastbound near Michigan Road for a serious crash. Upon arrival, responders found two inverted vehicles, one on the right shoulder of the interstate and one in the ditch. 66-year-old David Kriehn was the driver of the vehicle in the ditch, a red 2002 Honda. Kriehn was ejected from the vehicle as it rolled several times, he was rushed to St. Vincent Hospital where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, a 2009 Nissan Murano, was 35-year-old Elizabeth Vargas-Hernandez of Indianapolis, she was not injured. There were three passengers in the Nissan who were checked and released by medics at the scene.
Preliminary investigation and witness statements led police to believe Vargas-Hernandez was traveling at a high rate of speed in the right lane when she came upon the Honda. Vargas-Hernandez struck the rear of the Honda causing it to slide off the road and overturn several times in the ditch. The Nissan also overturned and came to upside down on the right shoulder.
Based on the investigation Vargas-Hernandez was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. She was also cited for operating a vehicle without ever receiving a driver’s license. A blood draw was taken for blood alcohol content, those results are pending.
This is an ongoing investigation with no further information available at this time. The charges listed in this release are merely accusations, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final determination on actual criminal charges. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Investigating Officer: Trooper Scott Probasco, Indiana State Police
Assisting: Trooper Camaron Bottema, Trooper Jayson Massey, Indianapolis Fire Department, Marion County Coroners’ Office, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
*Attached Photo: Elizabeth Vargas-Hernandez
SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52