Sheriff: TH truck driver struck and killed woman, fled scene

ICN file photo

JASPER COUNTY -- ​A Terre Haute truck driver is facing charges following a Jasper County Sheriff's Office fatal hit-and-run investigation.

Sheriff Terry J. Risner announced today that a report has been filed with the Jasper County Prosecutors Office and charges are pending against .Joseph "Joey" W. Bland, 43 --- stemming from the crash that resulted in the death of Melisa "Missy" Deno,40, of Rensselaer, last month.

According to the report, the Jasper County Sheriff 911 Center received a call on a traffic crash between a passenger car and semi at the intersection of U.S. 231 and S.R. 16 on Oct. 10 around 1:10 p.m. 

The semi involved was observed by witnesses fleeing the scene, traveling westbound on S.R. 16.

Bland allegedly left the victim behind, trapped and killed inside the vehicle.

"The lone occupant/driver of the passenger car was trapped within the vehicle after having gone underneath the semi-trailer," Risner said.

The suspect and the white 2010 International trailer were later located near Saint Louis, Mo. by Jasper County investigators.