02/24/14 Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an ATV accident that occurred at approximately 5:00pm on 02/22/2014. Charles W. Harding, 55, of Rochester crashed his 2007 Suzuki ATV on Olson Road north of Rochester.
Harding lost control of his ATV causing the ATV to flip over onto him. Harding was not wearing a helmet and suffered a laceration to the head. Harding refused medical treatment for his injury. Alcohol and excessive speed are contributing factors in the accident. Fulton County roadways are not open to ATV traffic.
Harding tested .15 at the Fulton County Jail on a certified breath test machine. It is unlawful to operate an ATV while under the influence of alcohol. Harding was booked into the Fulton County Jail on a charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage operators of ATV’s to refrain from consuming alcohol while operating any ATV. Officers also recommend wearing a helmet at all times when operating an ATV.
Other emergency response personnel assisting at the scene were the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and Fulton County EMS.
