WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — At 4:35 am this morning (July 3), officers of the West Lafayette Police Department responded to a call of a man down on Happy Hollow Rd. When officers arrived, they located an elderly man lying alongside Happy Hollow Rd. in the 1300 block. The man is identified as 86 year old, Arne Kvaalen, a retired professor and resident of West Lafayette.
Subsequent investigation by the WLPD revealed that Kvaalen had been jogging on the shoulder of Happy Hollow Rd. in the early morning hours when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The vehicle left the scene without making notification or contacting emergency responders.
Deep River painting by Arne Kvaalen (2004)
Kvaalen was transported to St. Elizabeth ER by medics and is currently hospitalized. He suffered extensive injuries as a result of the crash, including a broken ankle, broken shoulder, and numerous lacerations.
A witness reported seeing a small pickup truck pulled over to the side of Happy Hollow Rd. near the time of the crash. The description is not certain but, the vehicle could possibly have been a dark colored Ford Ranger.
Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash is a felony crime in the State of Indiana. The West Lafayette Police are asking for the help of the public in solving this case. Anyone who may have information about the crash is asked to call the police at 765-775-5200.
