A driver was arrested in a reported hit-and-run accident in the area of 4540 S. 350 W. in North Judson Sunday, September 15.
According to the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Mary Ann Minix was struck by a vehicle while walking on the side of the road. An officer with the North Judson Police Department had conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2000 Dodge Durango down the road and after talking to the driver, Ronald Malkowski, the officer determined that the vehicle was involved in the hit and run accident, according to the report. The officer noted passenger front end damage to the vehicle.
Emergency responders found the victim on the ground with severe trauma. Police say she was walking along the side of the road with her bike along with a man, Donald Doyle, who was also walking with his bike when she was struck from behind by the Durango. Malkowski was driving at a high rate of speed on 350 W. at the time of the accident, according to the report. Police say Malkowski appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Mary Ann Minix was flown to a regional hospital for treatment. Malkowski was treated and released with minor injuries. After being cleared by the doctor, Malkowski was transported to the Starke County Jail where he was booked on preliminary charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, operating while intoxicated resulting in serious bodily injury, operating while intoxicated over .15 BAC, and leaving the scene of the accident.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the North Judson Police Department, North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department, Starke County EMS, and Lutheran helicopter.
Formal charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
