An early-morning drive on State Road 39 turned deadly Friday when a two-vehicle crash just south of Frankfort left one person dead and two others injured, including Frankfort Police Department Chief Deputy Cesar Muñoz. The impact triggered a multi-agency emergency response on the rural stretch of highway. Muñoz was first taken to a Lafayette-area hospital, then transferred to an Indianapolis medical center, where officials say he is in stable condition and able to communicate.
State troopers outline what happened
In a preliminary account from the Indiana State Police, published by Vermilion County First, the crash was reported at approximately 4:49 a.m. on March 6 along State Road 39, just south of County Road 650 South. Investigators say a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu attempted to pass another vehicle, moved into the northbound lane, and collided with a northbound 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Chief Deputy Muñoz. Both vehicles then left the east side of the roadway before striking each other again.
According to that same release, the driver of the Malibu was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tippecanoe County Coroner. A passenger in the Malibu and Muñoz were taken to a Lafayette-area hospital and were listed as stable.
Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker told WRTV that fog was present at the time of the crash and that Muñoz “didn't have enough time to react” when he saw the oncoming car. Shoemaker also confirmed Muñoz was being transferred from the Lafayette-area facility to an Indianapolis medical center for additional treatment.
Department shares condition update
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Frankfort Police Department said Chief Deputy Muñoz “is alert and talking to us.” The department added that it “will not report his specific injuries as assessments are ongoing” and directed any further media questions to the Frankfort Police Department.
Investigation and next steps
The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation into the collision, according to the state police release. The team is being assisted by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and Miller's Towing. The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the Malibu's driver at a later time as investigators continue their work on the case.
