A Fort Wayne woman is facing charges following a early-morning crash on Interstate 69 in DeKalb County, Indiana, that struck a parked sheriff's patrol vehicle. According to Indiana State Police, the collision occurred just before 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, near the 323-mile marker on I-69. A DeKalb County Sheriff's Department sergeant, identified as Sergeant Brett Parker, was parked in a crossover median monitoring traffic when his marked Dodge Durango was struck from behind. Police say a white 2015 Chrysler driven by 35-year-old Keondra Brooks was traveling northbound when it swerved left, entered the median, and collided with the rear of the stationary patrol vehicle. Sergeant Parker and his K9 partner, who was also inside the vehicle, were not injured. Brooks sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Alcohol has been identified as a potential factor in the crash, and the Auburn Police Department is handling the operating-while-intoxicated portion of the investigation. Multiple agencies, including the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, Auburn and Garrett Police Departments, Auburn Fire Department, and Parkview EMS, responded to assist at the scene.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on Interstate 69 near the 323-mile marker in DeKalb County, Indiana, an area situated between the municipalities of Auburn and Garrett. This stretch of I-69 is a heavily traveled north-south corridor connecting Fort Wayne to the Indiana-Michigan state line, and law enforcement vehicles frequently use crossover medians in this area to monitor traffic flow and speed. These crossovers, while designed to allow authorized emergency and patrol vehicle access across the interstate, place officers in a position of vulnerability, particularly during low-visibility overnight hours. Interstate travel in this segment includes a posted speed limit typical of rural interstate highways, and the area lacks continuous lighting, which can heighten risks when a vehicle unexpectedly departs its lane of travel. Incidents involving vehicles striking stationary law enforcement or emergency vehicles have prompted increased attention to "Move Over" law compliance throughout Indiana.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana operates under a fault-based auto insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for a crash may be held financially liable for resulting damages. Indiana's "Move Over" law (Ind. Code § 9-21-8-35) requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles, including law enforcement, and violations can carry enhanced penalties when a collision results. If alcohol impairment is confirmed, the at-fault driver may face both criminal charges and civil liability under Indiana's negligence and operating-while-intoxicated statutes. Individuals affected by this crash, including the sergeant, may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Indiana generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4) for filing personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. This information is provided for general awareness only and does not constitute legal advice; anyone affected should consult applicable statutes for their specific circumstances.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
• Auburn Police Department
• Garrett Police Department
• Auburn Fire Department
• Parkview EMS

Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana State Police – Fort Wayne Post
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) – I-69 Corridor Information
• DeKalb Central Communications (Dispatch)

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Indiana Chapter
• Parkview Health – Patient and Family Support Services

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/9
• Indiana "Move Over" Law Overview: https://www.in.gov/isp/