Indiana Conservation Officers investigated an ATV accident which occurred on July 5 at approximately 2:15 p.m. in Milford.

Stephanie Hernandez, 14, of Cicero, was airlifted by Lutheran Air Ambulance to Fort Wayne where she was treated for head injuries and released.

The ATV which Hernandez was a passenger on was being operated by a 13-year-old male. There was also an 11-year-old female passenger sitting on the the cargo rack with Hernandez when the accident occurred on James Street where the girl was with family. The accident occurred on James Street where Hernandez was visiting family. 

Investigating officer Matt Maher reports that witnesses report seeing Hernandez fall from the ATV and strike her head on the pavement. Emergency personnel responded and determined to air lift Hernandez due to her reduced level of consciousness. 

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending against Jose Hernandez-Maldonado, 32, of Milford for allowing a juvenile under the age of 14 to operate an ATV without adult supervision. Jose Hernandez-Maldonado is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind owners of ATVs that allowing a person under 14 years of age to operate an ATV unsupervised is forbidden by law. All ATV operators and passengers should wear a helmet and protective gear. Unlicensed persons are generally forbidden from operating an ATV on public roadways as well.