By 1ST. SGT. CHAD HILL
Communications Division/Public Information Officer, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department

MENTONE — Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Deputies and emergency personnel responded Sunday night at 10:03 p.m. to the area of SR 19 and CR 600S after a 911 report of a bicyclist being struck.

Officers and first responders located a male subject, identified as Dung Nguyen (no middle initial), 45, Astoria, N.Y., off the east side of the roadway, suffering from multiple injuries. Nguyen was immediately transported by medics to a landing area in Mentone, where he was airlifted to Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Kosciusko County F.A.C.T. Team members stated a preliminary investigation into the crash determined that Nguyen was riding his bicycle northbound on SR 19 near the intersection of CR 600S. A white, 2001 Mercury, being driven by Michael D. Julian, 51, Akron, Ohio, was also headed northbound on SR 19, approaching Nguyen from behind. Julian stated that he did not see the bicyclist until the very last minute, prior to impact with Nguyen. Investigating deputies noted Nguyen did have an operational front light on the bicycle, but the rear light was not activated.

Reconstructionist also noted that reflectors on the rear of the bicycle were covered and obstructed by objects/baggage that Nguyen had attached to the frame.

Nguyen was listed in critical condition this morning according to sheriff’s deputies. The crash currently remains under investigation by the Kosciusko County F.A.C.T. Team.

Mentone Police and Fire departments, along with LifeMed Ambulance Service responded.