Driver arrested after striking, injuring pedestrian in Broad Ripple

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police said the driver who struck a woman in the early morning hours Thursday in Broad Ripple admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana just before the crash.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said Dean Hoover, 31, admitted to police he was drinking and smoking marijuana just before he crashed into 22-year-old Yvonne Mugure at about 3 a.m. in the 6200 block of College Avenue.

Mugure was rushed to IU Health Methodist Hospital and listed in serious condition, then later upgraded to stable.

Police arrested Hoover, who is now facing five charges: operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and resisting law enforcement.

24-Hour News 8 reviewed safety measures in place near the scene of the accident. We spotted crosswalks, synchronized lights and street signs warning drivers, bikers and pedestrian to share the road. Department of Public Works spokeswoman Kara Brooks said those safety measures are upgrades that were put in place back in 2009.

“If there is a concern that comes out, we will take a look at it and evaluate the situation and see what needs to be done,” she said.

As we surveyed the streets this afternoon we didn’t find a lot of complaints from those who walk around the Broad Ripple daily; however, some pedestrians did complain about when drivers chose to obey or disregard the stop signs.

“During the day they will stop for you, but at night not so much,” said TJ Nichols.

Currently DPW has no plans to make any safety improvements.