Medical condition considered cause of multiple vehicle crash

Police think a medical condition caused a Loogootee man to drive at a high rate of speed striking two vehicles before crossing another road and striking a guardrail Thursday evening.

According to Dubois County Sheriff’s Deputies, Chris E. Kern, 56, of Loogootee, was northbound on Mill Street in a 2002 Buick Century at a high rate of speed when his vehicle ran into the rear of a Chevrolet K2500 driven by Nicholas D. Ferguson, 29, of Jasper.

After being struck, Ferguson pulled the Chevrolet over to the side of Mill Street but Kern’s Buick continued north on Mill Street and ran into the rear of a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Douglas Schmitt, 55, of Loogootee. The impact pushed Schmitt’s vehicle off the west side of the road into a field.

Kern’s Buick continue north through the intersection with 400N and ran into a guardrail before stopping.

Kern was taken to Memorial Hospital by ambulance for pain to his should and left side. Schmitt sustained a laceration to his head but declined being taken to the hospital. Ferguson and his passenger, Justin Ferguson, were uninjured.

Police believe a medical condition contributed to Kern’s actions and the crash.

The Mitsubishi and Chevrolet were considered total losses while Buick had about $2,500 in damages.

Jasper Police Department, Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services and a Uebelhor and Sons wrecker assisted with the incident.