A press release from the Starke County Sheriff’s office shares details about a fatal vehicle accident that took place yesterday, Thursday, May 7th.
The release states: On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at approximately 9:58 p.m., deputies with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, along with personnel from the Knox Fire Department, Bass Lake Fire Department, and Starke County EMS, responded to the area of Toto Road and County Road 300 East regarding a single-vehicle crash involving a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a
tree.
Upon arrival, emergency responders located a red 2008 Saturn Vue off the north side of the roadway, resting against a tree. Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on Toto Road when it left the roadway, traveled through a field north of the road, and ultimately struck the tree where it came to rest.
Deputies located one unresponsive male occupant inside the vehicle. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies and Starke County EMS personnel; however, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver has been identified as John P. Bochnicka Jr., 56, of Knox, Indiana. The Starke County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation. The crash remains under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting Agencies
- Starke County Sheriff’s Office
- Knox Fire Department
- Bass Lake Fire Department
- Starke County EMS
- Starke County Coroner’s Office
