A Crown Point man is accused of leaving the scene of a crash following an investigation by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department.
Police say that on August 26, 2022, a South Central Community School Corporation school bus was slowing and preparing to turn right (north) off of U.S. 30 and into a driveway near the 900 West block. Police say the bus driver saw a Commercial Motor Vehicle quickly approaching the rear of the bus and was not slowing. To avoid a collision, the bus driver took quick action and did not complete the turn, according to the report.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle reportedly proceeded to pass the school bus on the right, leave the westbound lanes of U.S. 30 and continue traveling off the roadway, colliding with a guy wire affixed to a utility pole. Police say the pole snapped in half and caused the transformer and wires to fall to the ground. The driver, later identified as 56-year-old Chukudi Chinwah, stopped briefly and then continued traveling westbound on U.S. 30, according to the report.
The deputy completed the investigation and all findings were forwarded to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Probable cause was found and a warrant was issued on September 15 for Chinwah’s arrest for leaving the scene of a crash, a Class B Misdemeanor.
Chinwah surrendered himself to the La Porte County Jail on September 19 and later posted a bond on his behalf. He was released from the jail the same day.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
