A single vehicle crash resulted in the driver being arrested on multiple charges after stating a “cat” may have caused the crash.
Investigation by Trooper William Carlson revealed, Thursday evening, at approximately 9:20 p.m., he responded to a single vehicle crash on I-94 east bound to U.S. 20 exit ramp (Porter/Chesterton exit). Twenty-three year old David R. Sutphin, of North Judson, was driving a Saturn when he lost control on the ramp and went into a ditch. His 20-year-old female passenger also from North Judson began to have a medical emergency and responding EMS from Chesterton were able to revive her. She was taken to Porter Regional Hospital and later medically released.
Upon talking with Sutphin who initially blamed the crash on a “cat” running across the ramp before providing another statement for the crash gave indicators of impairment. Trooper Carlson a certified Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE), conducted a DRE evaluation on Sutphin which indicated/showed impairment.
Two children, Sutphin’s and his female passengers children, ages 10 months and 2 ½ were also in the car in child restraints and were not injured they were later released to their grandparents.
Sutphin was transported and incarcerated at Porter County Jail in Valparaiso and charged with:
Two counts of Neglect of a Dependent
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) with a passenger less than 18-years of age
OWI/controlled substance
and OWI endangerment