(La Porte County, IN) - An allegedly impaired driver was arrested last night following a crash near Michigan City.

At about 10 p.m., La Porte County Police responded to the 3800 block of North Wozniak Road in the Waterford area, where a homeowner called 911 reportedly after witnessing a vehicle crash into a wooded area across the street from his residence.  

Upon arrival, police said the driver, Kaine Kniola, 27, explained he was rounding a curve when his steering wheel quit working properly. His SUV then wound up on its side about 100 feet off the roadway.

Kniola, who lives in that area, had an alleged blood alcohol level close to two times the legal limit. The charge was upgraded to a Level 6 felony because of his having a prior OWI conviction from 2019.

Authorities note that he was not injured.