Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 8:00 AM
Monticello, IN – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boat crash that occurred on Memorial Day, on Lake Shafer. A man struck a pier while being towed on a tube.
On May 29, near 8 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a residence on Chamber Ct for a report of a man seriously injured after he, and his tube, collided with a dock support pole. The tube was being pulled by a 1993 Maxum ski boat. It was determined the occupant of the tube, Jason Mullendore, 31, of Lafayette, sustained a life-threatening leg injury and lost a considerable amount of blood. Emergency treatment was provided by bystanders and arriving personnel. Mullendore was transported to IU White Hospital by Monticello Fire Department Paramedics. Upon arriving at IU White Hospital, he was immediately flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
Indiana Conservation Officer’s and White County Sheriff’s Deputies began their investigation and were told by several occupants of the boat that Britany Mentel, 24, Lafayette was operating the boat at the time of the crash. It was later determined that all of the adults in the boat fabricated their story about who was actually driving the boat.
It has been determined that the boat was actually being operated by John Mentel, 59, Monticello.
Mullendore underwent emergency surgery in Indianapolis and is in serious condition. The injury resulted in the loss of his lower leg.
The investigation on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, by Indiana Conservation Officer’s resulted in the arrests of:
- John Mentel, 59, of Monticello for Misdemeanor False Informing
- Cole Hartman, 23, of Delphi for Misdemeanor False Informing
Hartman and Mentel were booked into the White County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges and the arrests of others involved are possible.
All suspects in any criminal case are merely accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.
SOURCE: Indiana DNR Law Enforcement