Ripley County-Last night, at 10:30 pm, the Indiana State Police and Ripley County Sheriff’s Department responded to a fatal accident that occurred on State Route 101 near Industrial Drive in Sunman, Indiana which resulted in the death of a Sunman man.

The initial investigation by Trooper Nicholas Albrecht determined that a 2010 Buick LeSabre being driven by Aaron Vaught, age 35, Sunman, was traveling southbound on State Route 101 in Sunman when Robert E. Barnes, age 63, Sunman, entered the roadway on foot into the path of Vaught’s vehicle. Vaught’s vehicle struck Barnes which caused Barnes to sustain fatal injuries. Barnes was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing although alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors.
The Barnes family has been notified.

Trp. Albrecht was assisted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County EMS, and the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.

-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.