Jasper Young, Wilkinson
HANCOCK COUNTY — Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say they have identified a suspect and vehicle in the hit-and-run case in Wilkinson that left a 13-year-old boy in critical condition Saturday night.
“The vehicle is here at our department being processed, and the suspect has not yet been arrested, but we know where the suspect is and have talked to the suspect,” Capt. Robert Harris of the HCSD said.
Officials are not releasing the name of the suspect just yet because the investigation is ongoing.
“We still have a lot more information and evidence to gather, so we don’t want to jeopardize that,” Harris said. “But, we’re certain we have the right vehicle and suspect, we just want to make sure the case is solid in case it goes to court.”
Jasper Young, 13, is still listed in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury at the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Young was transported there following the hit-and-run crash on June 17. Jasper was found by a passerby lying on the side of the road around 10 p.m. His eyes were open, but he could not speak, officials noted at the time.
In the meantime, family and friends are rallying around Jasper and his family.
Robin Gatheridge Hart, a teacher in the South Madison Community School Corporation had Jasper in class this past year when he was in seventh grade. She said that Jasper is a kind, caring and thoughtful young man — the kind of student teachers love to have in class.
“He is easygoing and enjoys life,” Hart said. “I am grateful that I was Jasper’s teacher this year.”
Hart said Jasper is one of those students that other students like and that he gravitates toward hands-on learning. Plus, he’s a good student who accepts feedback and redirection easily and is a joy to be around.
“Jasper is the light in the classroom,” Hart said, adding that she wants students to shine every day in her class and that Jasper did that.
Like any good teacher, Hart noted she cares for all her students deeply and passionately, but that Jasper is one of those special kids everyone likes to be around.
“He has a lot of energy,” she said, then noted that middle school kids like Jasper, who enjoy life, are one of the reasons she enjoys teaching so much.
“Middle schoolers are a fun group, and Jasper’s class, the Class of 2028, is an extraordinary group of students,” Hart said. “This class is close, and they lift each other during trying times.”
That was evident from a prayer vigil for Jasper Tuesday night in front of Pendleton Heights Middle School, where family and friends showed up to support the Young family.
In addition to having Jasper in class this past year, Hart also assisted with coaching him in swimming when Jasper was a member of the Pendleton Swim Club, where he was also a good student. Hart noted she’s close to Jasper’s parents, Heather and Scott Young, and is neighbors with Jasper’s grandparents, who are all suffering right now.
She said one of the biggest things the family needs is prayers for Jasper to make a full and speedy recovery.
“Also, please lift Jasper’s parents up in prayer too because they are going through a lot right now,” Hart said.
Harris noted the Young family has been informed as the investigation continues and that a suspect name will be released once official charges are filed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family,” Harris said. “We would like to thank everyone who has called in tips to our department.”
