Grant County, IN (February 5, 2025) – An Indiana State Trooper was injured in a rear-end collision on State Road 22 near County Road 600 East on Tuesday morning.
The accident occurred just after 9:00 a.m., prompting a response from Indiana State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gas City Police Department. According to the preliminary crash investigation conducted by Master Trooper Bryan Rumple, the accident involved Senior Trooper Weston Shanks, a 13-year veteran of the Indiana State Police.
Reports indicate that Senior Trooper Shanks was traveling westbound on State Road 22 in his department-issued Dodge Charger on routine patrol. Ahead of him, a Ford F-450 pulling a utility trailer, driven by 44-year-old Beau D. Jaqua of Indianapolis, was also heading westbound. The Ford slowed to make a right turn into the Lecom Utility complex, at which point the Charger rear-ended the trailer. The impact caused Trooper Shanks’ vehicle to leave the roadway and come to rest in a ditch.
Emergency medical personnel arrived swiftly, and Trooper Shanks was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Jaqua was uninjured in the collision. Authorities confirmed that alcohol and narcotics were not suspected factors in the crash.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and officials have not yet determined what led to the crash.
Our thoughts are with Trooper Shanks, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Rear-End Collisions in Indiana
Rear-end collisions, such as the one on State Road 22, are among the most frequently reported accident types in Indiana. These crashes often occur due to distracted driving, sudden stops, following too closely, or unexpected traffic conditions. While some rear-end crashes result in minor injuries, collisions involving large vehicles, trailers, or high speeds can lead to more serious consequences.
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), rear-end accidents are responsible for a significant number of injury-related crashes each year, especially on highways and rural roads where higher speeds reduce reaction time. Victims of these accidents may suffer from whiplash, back injuries, head trauma, and other complications requiring extensive medical treatment.
Those injured in rear-end crashes should seek immediate medical attention and consider consulting a professional regarding legal options to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.