STARKE COUNTY – According to a press release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday November 24th, at approximately 9:07pm Central Time, Starke County Deputies were dispatched to the area of US 35 and 25 N.
The Starke County 911 center had received multiple reports of a male subject dressed in black walking in the middle of the roadway and jumping in front of vehicles.
At 9:14pm, Starke County Deputies were notified of a motor vehicle crash involving a car and pedestrian in the same area. When deputies arrived, they discovered an unconscious male along the side of the roadway. The male was identified as Donnie Keaton, age 39 from Gary, Indiana. EMS crews began administering medical treatment. Keaton was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation found that a juvenile from Knox was traveling southbound on US 35. The juvenile reported a subject standing in the middle of the southbound lane of US 35. The juvenile attempted to swerve, however struck the male. The juvenile was uninjured.
At this time, toxicology is pending. This incident remains under investigation. Individuals with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Knox PD, Starke County EMS, Knox Fire Dept., and the Starke County Coroner’s Office.
