21-04-2025
Police release more details on ambulance-bike fatal collision
The Terre Haute Police Department on Monday afternoon released additional information on a collision between an ambulance and an electric bike that left one teenage girl dead and another badly injured.
The department,, in a news release by Lt. Justin Sears, public information officer, said the investigation continues but "we are releasing several verified facts in an effort to provide clarity, address community concerns, and combat the spread of misinformation."
The THPD said that about 7:15 p.m. April 15 Trans-Care was dispatched to a motor-vehicle accident involving a vehicle that had come to rest on its side, with the driver reporting injuries.
Trans-Care personnel responded and were traveling south on South 13th Street with their emergency lights on.
As the ambulance entered the intersection of South 13th Street and Wheeler Avenue, where there is no stop sign for southbound traffic, it was struck on the driver's side by an electric bicycle occupied by two juveniles, police said.
The juveniles were traveling west through a posted stop sign on Wheeler Avenue.
Trans-Care staff immediately gave aid and requested additional emergency response. City police officers and firefighters responded within minutes, the lieutenant wrote.
Both juveniles were transported to local hospitals. One passed away from her injuries a few minutes later. The second was taken by helicopter to an Indianapolis-area hospital and is still receiving care.
Police said Trans-Care staff have been fully cooperative with the accident investigation. The ambulance driver voluntarily submitted to toxicology screening immediately following the accident, and Trans-Care has released their dash cam video to police.
THPD said the Trans-Care vehicle speeds have been determined to be between 37.4 mph and 40 mph at the time of the collision, with 37.4 mph calculated by THPD accident reconstructionist and 40 mph recorded by the ambulance's onboard video system.
Police said these details have been confirmed through dash camera footage, security camera footage, accident reconstruction techniques and statements provided by those involved.
Authorities have not released the identities of anyone involved in the accident.
Friends and family have identified the girl who passed as Autumn Marie Poulter, 13.
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St. West Terre Haute, is handling arrangements.
In an obituary posted to Fitzpatrick Funeral Home's website, it announced visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Family and friends are encouraged to pay respects. Burial will follow, which the parents have asked to keep private and between immediate family. A dinner will be at the West Terre Haute Community Center after the funeral; all are welcome.
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