Trooper Robert Clevenger was killed in a single-vehicle accident while in pursuit of a traffic violator on a graveled county road about four miles southwest of New Castle.

   He observed a motorist proceed through a stoplight at 25th Street and Grand Avenue and began pursuing the vehicle, which continued on Dublin Pike. Near New Lisbon, the vehicle turned onto an unpaved road, passing State Roads 103 and 3 westbound.

   The 13-mile chase led to a T-intersection when the driver turned north. Due to the dust created by the pursued vehicle, Trooper Clevenger was unable to see ahead to an embankment, struck it head-on with his squad car and overturned.

   A 26-year-old man was apprehended later that day and charged with reckless driving and reckless homicide that were later dismissed. He was returned to Pennsylvania for violating his parole on a 2½-to-5-year sentence for burglary and larceny. 

   Trooper Clevenger, from Centerville, was assigned to the Connersville post. He was survived by his wife, parents, paternal and maternal grandfathers.

Military Service United States Marine Corps World War II Sergeant (SGT) ▪ 1949–1950  1950–1952 (Reserves)