(Portage, IN) - A La Porte man is accused of being drunk in a motor vehicle crash while traveling with his children for trick or treat.

 

Avis Owens, 43, was in Portage on Halloween night when he hit a parked car and fled then nearly struck some bystanders, police said.  He was located about a half mile or so down the road.

 

Police said one of his daughters was treated for injuries sustained in the collision.  His alleged blood alcohol level was more than .13 percent.

 

According to police, Owens told investigators he was on his way home after his kids finished trick or treating when he struck the car while swerving to avoid a dog in the road.

 

After the crash, Owens said he felt overwhelmed because of his children being in the vehicle and went to his mother’s house for her to comfort the kids, according to police.

 

The OWI charge was upgraded to a felony because of children being in the vehicle.