Staff Report

WARSAW — A Rochester man has been charged after the truck he was driving struck an elderly woman, resulting in her death.

Larry G. Smith

Larry G. Smith, 57, 6330 N. CR 100W, Rochester is facing one count of causing death while operating a vehicle, a level 4 felony.

According to a probable cause affidavit, on Nov. 3, 2020, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a pedestrian/vehicle crash at the intersection of  Broadway and Walnut streets in Etna Green.

The deputy saw a white Ford F-150 in the westbound travel portion of Broadway Street west of the intersection with Walnut Street. He learned that the truck, driven by Smith, hit Carol L. Hoffer, 84, Etna Green, as she was crossing Broadway Street, causing severe head injuries.

Hoffer later passed away from her injuries.

The deputy spoke with Smith, who admitted he was driving the truck that hit Hoffer. He said he was traveling south on Walnut Street and stopped at the stop sign before continuing his turn onto westbound Broadway Street.

Smith said he never saw Hoffer until he hit her. He agreed to submit to an alcohol and drug test.

His blood sample was tested and showed amphetamine, methamphetamine and THC in his blood at the time of the crash.

The deputy also spoke to a witness, who said she saw the truck start to turn onto Broadway Street from Walnut Street. She said as the truck made its turn, Hoffer was already crossing the roadway.

Smith was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on May 2 on a $15,250 surety and cash bond.