Witnesses Called 911 To Report Driver Moments Before Deadly Crash

A Brookville man died in a crash on U.S. 52 Saturday night. Toxicology tests on the other driver are pending.

(Brookville, Ind.) - A deadly crash occurred before Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies could find an erratic driver and stop them.

Motorists had called 911 to report a vehicle driving erratically just before a head-on crash on U.S. 52 near Holland Road, east of Brookville, at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, February 16.

“Witnesses told Deputies that the driver of the pick-up truck was driving in an erratic manner, including going left of center prior to the collision,” according to a sheriff’s news release.

Deputies say a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by John Graydon Richards II, 52, of Cincinnati, went left-of-center and hit head-on a 2007 Ford Focus driven by George E. Kraus, 56, of Brookville.

“The collision occurred before responding Deputies could intercept the pick-up truck,” the sheriff’s department said.

Kraus died at the scene.

Richards was transported by Franklin County EMS to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment of injuries he suffered.

Franklin County deputies are now awaiting the outcome of toxicology tests. They will forward their findings to the county prosecutor, who will determine if charges should be filed.

Agencies assisting at the crash scene included Indiana State Police, Brookville and Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Departments, Responder and Rescue 24, and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.