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By Beth Stutsman
KIRKLIN - A hit-and-run accident here turned into a police chase that ended in a crash that put a man in an Indianapolis hospital.
Police say Daniel M. Ballard, 22, of Kirklin was involved in a hit-and-run accident that occurred about 9:20 p.m. Thursday at 109 North Main Street in Kirklin, which is southeast of Frankfort.
A witness reported to Clinton County Sheriff's Department that Ballard's red Chrysler sedan struck a pick-up truck and left the scene.
The witness then followed Ballard as he drove north on U.S. Highway 421. The witness remained on the phone with dispatcher Tammy Lane updating her on Ballard's location.
Ballard pulled into a residence just south of Indiana 28 on U.S. Highway 421, and the witness followed. According to police, the witness and Ballard then began a verbal argument.
Deputy Steven R. Catron arrived at the residence as Ballard was leaving, heading north again on U.S. Highway 421. Catron reported that Ballard refused to stop as he pursued him with his police car's lights and sirens on.
The pursuit continued as Ballard turned west onto Indiana 28, heading toward Frankfort. Catron said Ballard was traveling at a high rate of speed was not staying in his proper lane.
Frankfort City Police prepared a road block east of Frankfort with Stop Sticks and other deputies were enroute to intercept as well.
Before reaching the road block, Ballard crashed his vehicle, rolling it several times. Ballard was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be removed from the car by emergency personnel.
Catron stabilized Ballard's head and neck while waiting for Michigantown Fire and Emergency Medical Services to arrive. Indiana 28 was shut down because of the debris from the crash and to keep it open for emergency vehicles.
Ballard was taken to St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital and was later flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for head trauma.
Ballard is expected to face charges of leaving the scene of an accident, resisting law enforcement, and operating while intoxicated.
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