(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man was seriously injured when his car was hit by a train last evening.

 

Donald Sawyer, 78, drove around the crossing gates at the Madison Street crossing beside the old La Porte Hospital, according to La Porte Police. Witnesses reported seeing his car weaving around the crossing gates before impact at about 5:30 p.m.

 

Sawyer was unresponsive but still alive when flown by helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, police said.

 

Police believe alcohol appears to be a factor judging by the odor of alcohol on his breath. A cooler containing beer and liquor was also found inside his 2012 Buick Enclave.

 

A blood sample was taken from Sawyer at the hospital to determine if there was any alcohol in his system and how much. Investigators were still waiting for the results of the test.