(La Porte County, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal single vehicle crash nearly a month ago outside La Porte.

 

Dawn Coleman, 42, of Fish Lake is charged in La Porte Circuit Court. The most serious offenses filed against Coleman involve multiple counts of Operating while Intoxicated, in connection with the death of a seven-year-old girl and major injuries sustained by Coleman's adult front seat passenger.

 

According to La Porte County Police, Coleman was the driver of a vehicle southbound on U.S. 35 just after midnight on February 26th. She had veered off the road to her right and collided with two trees prior to her vehicle coming to rest in a wooded area near Schultz Road.

 

The front seat passenger was Alfred Jones, 45, of Chicago.  Authorities stated Jones was transported to a regional hospital by helicopter with critical injuries. Likewise, Coleman’s injuries requiring hospital treatment were described as serious. An eight-year-old boy riding in the backseat with the girl suffered only minor injuries.

 

An initial hearing in the case is set for March 31st before Judge Tom Alevizos, where Coleman could face anywhere from 2-to-12 years on each of three Level 4 Felony counts and lesser punishment on the two remaining Level 5 Felony and Level 6 Felony counts.

 

So far, the amount of alcohol allegedly in her bloodstream has not been disclosed.