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September 8, 2010

Woman involved in fatal accident arrested at hospital

By Christina M. Wright The Herald Bulletin

ANDERSON, Ind. — A woman whose brother reportedly lied for her after a fatal accident Monday was apprehended Wednesday at an Indianapolis hospital where she was visiting her injured daughter, according to a news release from the Anderson Police Department.

“It is believed that (Darla) DeBord was visiting her daughter who was also injured in Monday’s accident,” the release said.

Police spokesman Casey said DeBord, 45, of Anderson, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class C felony; leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, a Class D felony; operating while suspended resulting in serious bodily injury, a Class D felony; and false informing, a Class A misdemeanor.

“I hope this sends a resounding message,” Chief Darron Sparks said in Wednesday’s news release.  “We have both a legal and moral responsibility to answer for our actions.”

Marilyn Hirsch, 64, was killed Monday evening when a red Ford pickup T-boned her car as she pulled onto Scatterfield Road just south of Cross Street.

Officers have reportedly determined that Hirsch drove into the path of the pickup truck, which had the right of way. However, DeBord and her family face charges related to their own actions, the release said.

“We will continue to work in union with the prosecutor’s office to bring criminal charges against those who deliberately misled the investigation,” Sparks said in the news release.

Originally, Bradley DeBord, 46, told police Monday that he was driving and his sister, Darla DeBord, was in the bed of the truck. His mother, 71-year-old Martha Hanshew, concurred, police said.

Police said Darla DeBord later visited her injured daughter at an Anderson hospital on Monday, and also told officers that she was riding in the bed of the truck with her daughter. Officers reportedly noticed fresh cuts on Darla DeBord’s face.

But, on Tuesday, Bradley DeBord confessed that he was the truck-bed passenger and his sister was the driver. He reportedly said Darla DeBord had been drinking and fled the scene before officers arrived.

Darla DeBord was not tested for alcohol at the time of the accident because she was not believed to be the driver, police said Tuesday.

“There haven’t been any intoxication charges filed,” Casey said Wednesday night.

The Wednesday release said Bradley DeBord faces charges of assisting a criminal, and Hanshew faces a misdemeanor charge of false informing.

Contact Christina M. Wright, 640-4883, christina.wright@heraldbulletin.com.

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