(La Porte County, IN) - Charges are being pursued in connection with an alleged alcohol-related single vehicle injury accident outside La Porte early Tuesday.

 

Officers at about 4 a.m. were called to U.S. 35 near Schultz Road where an SUV overturned off the highway. 

 

Police said the female driver was standing in a wood line with blood covering her face and the front of her body, telling officers was on her way home from work at a downtown La Porte bar when she swerved to avoid a deer.

 

Authorities noted she claimed to have consumed “roughly three shots” about three hours prior to the crash.  However, a portable breathalyzer test measured her blood alcohol level at .25-percent or more than three times above the legal limit.

 

The woman was transported to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

 

Since the results of a portable breathalyzer test are not admissible as evidence in court, a blood sample was taken from her at the hospital for testing, but no results have yet been obtained. In the meantime, a warrant is being sought to charge her with Operating While Intoxicated.

 

According to police, the charge would be upgraded to a Level 6 Felony due to her having a prior OWI conviction from 2017.  Her name will not be disclosed unless formal charges are filed in the case.