Lake County Sheriff patrol car

Gary woman dies when her vehicle collides with Lake County Sheriff patrol car

Contributed By:The 411 News

Indiana State Police are investigating a midday traffic accident on Wednesday, July 13 that caused the death of a Gary woman.

The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as Gloria Melton, age 70.

Indiana State Police reported their Lowell Post was contacted at approximately 12:10pm by the Lake County Sheriff's Department to investigate a crash involving a Lake County Officer. The crash occurred within the city limits of Gary at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Colfax St.

Preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit revealed that a black, 2019, Dodge Charger police car, was travelling east on 5th Avenue when it struck a silver, 2005, Toyota Corolla.

The Toyota was travelling west on 5th Avenue making a left turn onto southbound Colfax. The driver of the Toyota was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

The driver of the Charger, Officer Zachary Norcutt, was transported to Southlake Methodist Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Deputy Norcutt is also a K9 officer and his K9 was not injured in the crash. Officer Norcutt was on duty and assigned patrol in the area at the time of the crash.

ISP said the investigation is in its preliminary stages and once the investigation has been completed, the Lake County Sheriff's Department will be able to release further information.

Assisting at the scene were the following: Gary Police Department, Gary Fire Department, Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Lake County Coroner, Gary Street Department and Bert’s Towing.

Story Posted:07/13/2022