(Michigan City, IN) - Police say alcohol was involved in a motor vehicle crash involving a school bus in Michigan City.

 

Daniel Ward, 43, is charged with Level 4 Felony Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

 

According to authorities, Ward on January 12 was traveling at a high rate of speed when he struck the back end of an SUV on South Woodland Avenue. The SUV was pushed into the back end of the school bus. The woman driving the SUV, Tyrhesheii Singh, suffered a broken wrist while also fracturing the heel on one of her feet.  Nobody on the school bus was injured.

 

Ward claimed he had three shots of Fireball whiskey and thought he was in good enough shape to drive, claiming he’s been drinking and driving since the age of 13. Police said his blood alcohol level was about two times the legal limit based on a portable breathalyzer test and symptoms like slurred speech and poor balance. 

 

A blood sample taken from Ward as part of the certified testing was sent to a laboratory for analysis. Allegedly, nvestigators are still waiting for the results. Otherwise, it appears Ward suffered only a minor cut to his forehead.

 

Ward has also been charged with Operating While Intoxicated as a Level 6 Felony because of a prior conviction for Impaired Driving.