Trooper Robert Clevenger was killed in a single-vehicle accident while in pursuit of a traffic violator on a graveled road three miles south of New Castle near Straughn.

   He observed a motorist commit a traffic violation at an intersection in Cambridge City and began pursuing the vehicle. The 13-mile chase led to a T-intersection and due to the dust created by the violator's vehicle, Trooper Clevenger was unable to see the embankment ahead and struck it head-on.

   Investigators found the license plate number of the pursued vehicle in Trooper Clevenger's squad car and apprehended the 26-year-old man, who was a parolee from Pennsylvania, later that day.

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