(La Porte County, IN) - Police say alcohol was involved in a two-vehicle highway collision over the weekend outside La Porte. Timothy Richmond, 34, is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor.

 

According to La Porte County Police, Richmond said the Saturday night collision happened after he swerved to avoid a deer on U.S 35 near 400 North.

 

The other driver, Darcy Bish, 41, of Michigan City, explained his vehicle was stopped with the backend part in the roadway, and no headlights activated when she struck it while traveling northbound on the highway.

 

From the La Porte area, Richmond was not injured, while Bish had just a few scratches and refused medical attention.

 

According to police, Richmond said he drank two mixed drinks in Michigan City before the collision. However, police said his blood-alcohol level was slightly over .15-percent, which is near twice the legal limit.

 

Both vehicles sustained heavy damage in the crash.