By Mex Freehly | Beacon desk clerk

Michiana Highway Control responded to a traffic incident early Tuesday, involving a vehicle-vs.-deer.

According to the official police report here on my desk, the crash occurred on Sick Smile Road, slightly northeast of Bass Lake.

A driver of a late-model automobile collided with a ruminant mammal shortly after 2:45 a.m. Following impact, the wounded deer was truck-lifted to a nearby large-animal veterinary clinic for treatment. He/she is listed in fair condition.

The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for evaluation.

A witness saw the driver limping away from the scene toward a wooded area. His whereabouts are currently non-verified.