Driver Arrested on Numerous Charges After Causing Serious Crash

The crash took place Sunday evening at the intersection of SR 48 and SR 129 in Ripley County.

Photo by Indiana State Police. 

(Ripley County, Ind.) – Charges have been filed against a driver that allegedly caused a serious crash.

Indiana State Police responded to the crash on Sunday evening at the intersection of State Road 48 and State Road 129.

The initial investigation shows that Justin Palmer, 25, of Milan, was traveling eastbound on SR 48 and entered SR 129 into the path of a southbound vehicle, driven by James Ratliff, 36, of Milan.

Ratliff’s vehicle collided with the driver’s side of Palmer’s vehicle in the intersection. The impact caused Ratliff’s vehicle to overturn.

Both drivers were transported to Margaret Mary Health with non-life threatening injuries. Megan Hountz, a passenger in Ratliff’s vehicle, became entrapped and was airlifted to UC Medical Center for treatment of serious injury. Four juveniles in Ratliff’s vehicle were transported to MMH with unknown injuries.

According to ISP, Palmer showed signs of being intoxicated during the crash investigation. He was arrested on charges of Operating While Being a Habitual Traffic Violator, Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury, and Operating While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction.

Palmer has been incarcerated pending an initial appearance in court.

The crash remains under investigation.  

More from Local News

Events

Indiana Approves Student-Centered K-12 Accountability Model with Unanimous Support

The model prioritizes academic proficiency for all students.

Gov. Mike Braun Awards Coach Curt Cignetti Indiana’s Highest Honor

The entire Hoosier football team was awarded with the Sagamore of the Wabash,

Sen. Maxwell Welcomes Local Students to Statehouse as Senate Pages

Pages spend a day touring the statehouse, observing debates and interacting with their state senator.

ICGSA Releases 2025-26 All-State Teams

Eight local players earned recognition.

Local Sports Report - March 3, 2026

The 116th annual IHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament got underway Tuesday.

SEI Wrestlers Earn Academic All-State Honors

Multiple schools from the area are represented.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Travis Tritt - Love of a Woman

Tenille Arts Back Then, Right Now 15:54
Jason Aldean Night Train 15:50
George Strait I Saw God Today 15:44
Bryan Martin We Ride 15:41