Trucker who damaged historic bridge expected to face charges

BLOOMINGDALE, Ind. (AP) - A western Indiana sheriff says a truck driver whose rig damaged a historic covered bridge will likely be charged.

Parke County Sheriff Justin Cole said Tuesday that he expects prosecutors to file misdemeanor charges of leaving the scene of a property accident against the man.

He says debris found on the Jackson Covered Bridge matches the truck that's owned by a Rydal, Georgia, trucking company.

Cole says the driver struck the bridge, damaging some of its overhead beams while trying to avoid a construction detour. He then backed away from 156-year-old span and drove away.

The $650 in damage discovered May 15 has since been repaired.

The bridge near the town of Bloomingdale about 60 miles west of Indianapolis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.