Local News

Charges in Tragic Death of Toddler

(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with the death of a toddler run over by a vehicle in Michigan City. Colleen Hopper, 30, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with reckless homicide.

 

In September of 2021, police said Hopper returned to her home in the 300 block of Detroit Street from a grocery store.  Some children, including the 23-month-old victim, helped her carry the groceries inside the residence.

 

According to court documents, Hopper once the groceries were put up returned to her car and while backing up failed to see the victim, Emersyn Woods, behind the vehicle.  A nearby video camera captured her operating the vehicle while using what appeared to be a cell phone when the head of the toddler was run over by the rear driver’s side tire, police said.

 

According to court documents, Hopper told investigators she last saw the girl in the dining room or living room area of the home and thought all of the children were inside the residence before placing the vehicle in reverse.

 

Hopper was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $1,500 bond.  She could face anywhere from a one to six-year sentence on the Level 5 Felony Offense.

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