Boat Collision Results in Serious Injuries and Arrest
By JONATHON BOYD
Indiana Conservation Officer
LEESBURG — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident that occurred early Sunday morning. Around 2 a.m. Dominic Fisher, 32, Milford and Tiffany Fugate, 22, Auburn, were transported to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Fisher was listed in serious condition.
Fisher and Fugate were stationary sitting on board a 15-foot aluminum fishing boat on Lake Tippecanoe.
A 21-foot ski boat, operated by David Vie, 39, Fort Wayne, traveling at a yet to be determined speed struck the fishing boat. Fisher was run over by the ski boat and struck by the propeller nearly severing his leg. Fugate was stuck in the head by the bow of ski boat.
Fisher was able to apply a makeshift tourniquet to his leg, which probably saved his life. Vie pulled Fisher from the water after he pleaded for help.
Fugate was transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, for head injuries. Fisher was airlifted to Parkview Hospital in serious condition.
Vie was arrested for operating a motorboat while intoxicated resulting in serious injury, felony and remanded to the custody of the Kosciusko County Jail.
Investigating Officers found Fisher’s pants wrapped in the propeller of the ski boat. Indiana Conservation Officers are continuing to investigate this incident. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor.
Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by Kosciusko County Police, Multi-Township EMS, and Samaritan Helicopter.