DECATUR COUNTY, Ind. — A 16-year-old is accused of throwing a rock that knocked a FedEx driver unconscious on Interstate 74 in Decatur County. The rock went through the windshield of the FedEx truck and hit the driver in the head.
The Decatur County Sheriff's Office said tips from the public led to two minors, including a 16-year-old who was detained.
The driver, Travis Hampton, was knocked unconscious and had to be flown to a hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
His daughter, 9-year-old Sha'lon Sharp-Hampton, was riding with Hampton and awakened by the crashing sound. Deputies say Sharp-Hampton jumped into action and dialed 911. She stayed on the phone with dispatchers for eight minutes and helped with where the semi was to get emergency responders to her father.
Police found the semi near the 127-mile marker of westbound I-74 April 23 shortly before 3 a.m.
When deputies reached Hampton, they said he was semi-conscious with "significant" injuries to his head.
Police reviewed video and got tips from the public to help lead to a suspect in the case.
On Thursday, Sharp-Hampton was honored by the sheriff, deputies and 911 operators in Greensburg. She was presented with a plaque honoring her as a hero.
"She was brave enough and sharp enough to call 911," said Decatur County Sheriff Bill Meyerrose.
The girl said she learned how to dial for help by watching the TV show "911."
Hampton said he had been driving for about four or five years. He said he was thankful for his daughter and all the emergency responders who took care of him and his daughter.
"I just tell her on a day-to-day basis how proud I am of her and how she handled herself like an adult," said Hampton.
He said he's not sure when he'll drive again. He's just taking his healing process one day at a time.
If anyone has information on who might have thrown the rock or other details on the crash, they should call the Decatur County Sheriff's Department at 812-663-8125.