WAYNE COUNTY, INDIANA, Ind. — Police arrested a Richmond man for a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Wayne County last week.
State police responded to the crash around 4:45 p.m. on May 11 on Pottershop Road west of Creek Road near Centerville.
Investigators believe 47-year-old Samuel Weller of Liberty was traveling west on Pottershop Road on a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle. Meanwhile, a Dodge Caravan driven by a Richmond woman was traveling east on Pottershop Road, followed by a Chevrolet Equinox driven by 27-year-old Rafael Lopez, also of Richmond.
Police say Lopez attempted to pass the Caravan in a marked no passing zone and struck Weller head-on, throwing him from his motorcycle.
Weller was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither of the eastbound drivers were injured.
Lopez was taken to Reed Hospital in Richmond for a certified chemical test, per state law. It was also discovered that Lopez was driving without a valid Indiana license.
On Wednesday, Lopez was arrested on preliminary charges of reckless homicide and operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license.
State police said Pottershop Road was closed for about four hours due to the crash and subsequent investigation.
