Courtesy, not crime, is the norm in Loogootee. This small southern Indiana town in in Martin County is known more for producing great high school basketball teams than criminals. But residents were shocked by a recent hit-and-run incident in downtown Loogootee during board daylight.
Of course, if you are pronouncing it "Loo-goo-tee" -- you're not a real Hoosier. It's pronounced like a Frenchman's beard ("la goatee").
The incident occurred as a car sat in a line at a traffic light in downtown Loogootee. When the light turned, the vehicle in the front of the line jerked backwards, striking the car's front bumper. . . The buggy then drove off without stopping or exchanging driver and insurance information.
That's right, it was the horse's fault! No word on whether a low-speed pursuit followed. Apparantly the Loogootee Police Department helicopter was grounded that day, so there was no aerial pursuit, and no dramatic televised chase video.
The culprit did leave some evidence behind. The police department's lowest ranking rookie was assigned to "bag" the evidence -- or at least scoop it off the roadway.
Authorities theorize that the buggy driver was "just horsin' around."
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Amish buggies are a common scene in and around Loogootee, Shipshewana, Nappanee and other areas of Indiana with strange names. They are a living reminder of our state's rural heritage. Be patient when driving in Amish areas. Give them some room -- and some respect, too.
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