Driver admits fault in fatal hit-and-run accident

IMPD investigators have arrested 24-year-old Geoffrey Collins in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed one man and injured another Sunday.

Officers found a red 2000 Ford Ranger pick-up truck inside a garage in the 1100 block of South Somerset Avenue after receiving a tip Tuesday. The vehicle matched the description of the one that fled the accident Sunday night. Collins is the owner of that vehicle.

According to witnesses, David Smith and Jason Pedigo were seen pushing a shopping cart in the eastbound lanes of West Morris Street around 11:45 p.m. Sunday, when they were struck by the vehicle.

When police arrived on the scene in the 3100 block of West Morris, both men were down in the street. Smith was rushed to Wishard Hospital, where he died. Pedigo was taken to Methodist Hospital in critical but stable condition. Doctors say Jason has six to eight months to go for a full recovery.


During an interview with police Tuesday, Collins admitted to being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. He was arrested on preliminary charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a class C Felony, and leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury, a class D Felony. Formal charges are pending.