The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is requesting assistance from the public and asking for information in reference to a pedestrian being struck. 

The incident occurred about 8:15 p.m. on Interstate 70 westbound on Christmas night near the 22 mile marker.

According to the Indiana State Police investigation, the victim had stopped at a fueling station located on State Road 59 near Interstate 70.  The victim is seen inside of the fueling station with two other males. The victim then gets into a red passenger vehicle with the two males and a female, leaving the fueling station.  Approximately 20 minutes later the victim is observed walking on Interstate 70 and was struck by a passenger vehicle.  

The Clay County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Fredy Romas Escobar, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas.

Trooper Rondell Shelton is requesting individuals with any information or who may have observed something in regard to this incident on the night of December 25, to please contact him at the Putnamville State Police Post at 1-800-225-8576.

The photos include the vehicle involved and persons of interest in the investigation.

Original release

On December 25, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to a pedestrian being struck on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker.

Troopers were originally dispatched to the area of the 22 mile marker westbound of Interstate 70 in reference to a pedestrian walking on the Interstate for an unknown reason.  However, before troopers arrived on scene there was a second 911 call reference to a pedestrian being struck.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an individual was walking in the passing lane on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker when he/she was struck by a passenger vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled over and called 911, fully cooperating with the investigation. 

There were no other injuries to report.