(Photo provided by KCSD)

A male subject walking in the 3300 block of North 150 West near Leesburg was struck by a vehicle at about 5:30 a.m. today and is now in critical condition.

According to a press released issued by the Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team, upon arrival at the scene, officers located Michael C. Keener, 22, of Warsaw, lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Keener was immediately transported to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, by Multi-Township EMS in critical condition.

Investigators with F.A.C.T. said the initial investigations concluded that Keener had been walking southbound on CR 150 West when Darrell E. Young, 46, also of Warsaw, approached southbound driving his 2002 Jeep Liberty. Young stated he did not see Keener until the very last minute due to the predominantly dark clothing that Keener was wearing.

Young also stated that Keener appeared to be crossing the roadway, at which point he attempted to swerve, but still struck him. Young’s vehicle continued across CR 150 West, striking a utility pole on the east side of the road before coming to rest. Young was not injured in the crash.

Officers say the crash is still under investigation pending legal blood test results as mandated by state law.

The Kosciusko County F.A.C.T./crash investigation team was assisted at the scene by Warsaw Police Department, Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department, and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.