(La Porte, IN) - A house was heavily damaged in La Porte last night by a motor vehicle and fire. There were no major injuries, but a police officer is credited with saving the life of the alleged intoxicated driver.

 

Evin Eakins, 25, of Valparaiso, is charged with operating while intoxicated.

 

According to police, Eakins crashed into the front of the single-story house at 3111 Monroe Street at Boyd Boulevard just before 11 p.m. The vehicle went through the living room and kitchen and then caught fire.

 

The 2017 Ford Escape came to rest inside the home, but the front end was sticking out the back exterior wall of the residence. The vehicle caught fire with Eakins still seated behind the wheel. The inside of the house was also beginning to go up in flames.

 

La Porte County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Wells was first to arrive but couldn't get to the front doors because of heavy debris from the crash. However, Sheriff John Boyd said Wells cleared enough debris from a back passenger's side door to get that door open and reach Eakins. Wells pulled Eakins into the back seat and out the door with help from La Porte Police Officer Pat Hemphill. Boyd said deputy John Roby also assisted with the life-saving effort.

 

La Porte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said he believes Eakins would have perished if not for the officers' efforts because of how rapidly the fire was spreading while firefighters were responding.

 

According to police, Thomas Pajor, 22, and Taylor Hager, 21, were in their bedroom and not hit by the vehicle. Their injuries were described as minor from debris. Pajor went back inside through a front window and rescued his dog from the fire, police said. 

 

Police said Eakins told investigators he consumed a "quarter bottle" of a beverage containing 36 percent alcohol. His alleged blood alcohol level was .182-percent.