INDIANAPOLIS — A pedestrian was struck and killed on Interstate 70 on the west side of Indianapolis late Tuesday night.
The crash happened on the ramp from I-70 westbound to Sam Jones Expressway shortly before midnight Feb. 6.
According to Indiana State Police, 22-year-old Justin Lavelle Dobbins responded to a call to help someone whose car had broken down.
Police said the car was on the shoulder but was partially in the ramp lane.
According to police, Dobbins was about to help the driver manually push the car completely onto the shoulder when another car hit the broken down car and Dobbins.
Medics pronounced Dobbins dead at the scene.
"It's a really unfortunate situation where a young man responded to help somebody and was doing that when another driver came along and struck them," said ISP Sgt. John Perrine. "The reality is a man lost his life simply trying to help a person in need."
Perrine said getting out of your car on the side of an interstate highway can be risky.
"Being along the highway is dangerous and it's not a safe position to be in and should only be in an emergency situation," said Perrine.
Perrine said if you find yourself in a similar situation, there are some things to keep in mind.
"Try and put as many obstacles between you and the traffic and as much distance as possible," said Perrine. "First and foremost, you should be watching for the traffic and put yourself in a position with the most protection possible, whether that be inside your vehicle with your seat belt on, or if you have to get out of your vehicle, maybe you get on the other side of the wall or guardrail or up in a tree line, as far away as you can."
Perrine added drivers need to remember to pay attention and be courteous when they see vehicles on the side of the road.
Police said the driver of the car that hit Dobbins stayed at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, according to police.
The ramp from I-70 westbound to Sam Jones Expressway was closed for approximately three hours as police investigated.