Local News

Alcohol Suspected in Same Driver Crashes

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are investigating whether a man, who crashed into a parked vehicle and fled, was impaired.

 

Late Sunday morning, authorities were called to the Colonial Trailer Park in the area of 600 North and 400 West where a man, inside his residence, heard a crash and discovered his Jeep Wrangler damaged and moved sideways in his driveway. A short time later, officials noted through the investigation that the suspect hit a tree prior to taking off again.

 

Later, the police were notified by other motorists about a driver acting all over the roadway, before ultimately finding the suspect at Eastside Produce on U.S. 20.  His vehicle jumped the parking block before coming to a stop in front of the business, pieces of wood stuck in his front bumper and other signs of damage to his vehicle visible.

 

When an officer approached 41-year-old Nathan Walenga, he allegedly had a couple of sips from a cup containing Twisted Tea- a known alcoholic beverage.

 

Police said charges of leaving the scene of a crash are being pursued in this case.  Whether he was intoxicated or not remains still under investigation.

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