One person was arrested after a two-vehicle accident Saturday, February 22 in the 1900 South block of Heaton Street in Knox.
The accident occurred around 7:15 p.m. CT where deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office discovered two vehicles with heavy damage with air bag deployment.
Police say a gray Ford F-150 was northbound on Heaton Street when a southbound maroon Ford Focus entered into its lane of travel to avoid collision with an animal in the roadway. Both drivers moved into the southbound lane where a head on collision occurred, according to the report.
The driver of the Focus, Quentin Acosta, 25, of Mishawaka, was extricated from the vehicle. Acosta was later airlifted for further treatment.
The driver of the F-150, Michael Martin, Jr., 55, of Coloma MI, and his passenger did not report any injuries.
As deputies investigated the crash, they reportedly detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting on or about Martin, Jr.’s person. Deputies began an investigation for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Police say Martin, Jr. agreed to a chemical test. A presumptive result of .206 was discovered, according to police.
This incident remains under investigation.
Martin, Jr. was taken into custody and booked into the Starke County Justice Center on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or more, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Formal charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the City of Knox Police Department, Knox-Center Township Fire Department, Starke County EMS, and Starke County Reserves.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
