By Ann Marie Shambaugh

Mayor Jim Brainard told police fatigue was a possible factor in a minor car accident that occurred last month not far from City Hall.

Brainard’s 2017 city-leased Ford Fusion crossed the center line at about 2:15 p.m. April 20 and clipped the wheels of a trailer being pulled by a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado on 3rd Ave. SW near W. Carmel Drive.

According to the accident report, “(Brainard) advised he was fatigued and that might have contributed to his vehicle drifting over the center line.”

Carmel police cited the driver of the Silverado, Jose Guzman Uribe, 36, of Indianapolis, for not having the vehicle insured and driving without having received a license.

Police estimated damage to Brainard’s vehicle and the trailer between $5,000 and $10,000. Brainard’s leased vehicle was towed from the scene.

Nancy Heck, Carmel director of community relations and economic development, stated in an email that the city’s insurance company will buy out the car at a cost of $29,588.50. The city is responsible for paying the $500 deductible.

“The mayor is currently driving another city vehicle,” she said.