RENSSELAER — Jasper County Animal Control officials showed their appreciation for the work of an Indiana State Police trooper who helped bring a pair of dogs to safety after a truck driver was shot in the neck by another man during a road rage incident.
During the afternoon of March 28, a truck driver was traveling on I-65 when he reportedly cut off another driver. That driver, later identified as Donavan Brewer of Merrillville, is alleged to have shot into the cab of the truck, striking the driver in the neck.
The truck driver managed to pull his truck safely off the road and a passerby called the state police.
Trooper Kurt Jones responded to the scene and he noticed there were two dogs in the truck cab.
He called a dispatcher, who called county animal control officer Tori Nuest.
Nuest dispatched an employee to the scene to care for the dogs.
The truck driver was stabilized at the scene and he was transported by helicopter to a Chicago area hospital.
Meanwhile, the two dogs were brought to the shelter and later put in foster care.
The driver of the truck was placed on life-support, but showed signs of improvement days later.
Medical staff then explained to the driver that his dogs were being cared for and it is reported that once he heard this, he wept happily.
According to sources, the man continues to get stronger every day.
Meanwhile, the shooter turned himself in a few days later and faces charges of attempted murder and criminal recklessness.
On Monday, April 8, animal control presented trooper Jones with an award for helping bring the dogs to safety. Animal control officials also recognized Nuest and Mrs. Devine, who
continues to care for the dogs.
