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UPDATE (April 20, 2021)– Brian Rosano pleaded guilty to causing death while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to 14.5 years.

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana State Police believe a driver was under the influence of a controlled substance when he struck and killed a man on I-70 on Monday.

Police say 42-year-old Brian P. Rosano of Brazil, Indiana, struck 66-year-old Freddie L. Smith of Sacramento, California, as he was securing his roadside warning devices after repairs were made to his disabled truck in Putnam County.

Before the crash, investigators say they were notified that Rosano’s van was all over the roadway and troopers were actually en route to try and locate the vehicle.

But, when first responders got to the scene, Smith was pronounced dead and Rosano was transported to the Putnam County Hospital for minor injuries. Rosano submitted to a blood draw for drugs and alcohol. The results showed he was under the influence of a controlled substance, according to police.

Once Rosano is cleared medically, he will be taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail on the following charges:

  • Possession of paraphernalia
  • Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance
  • Operating a motor vehicle while endangerment of others
  • Possession of syringe needles
  • Causing death of another person when operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance

Portions of westbound I-70 were closed as crews cleared the scene, but it has since been reopened.