On Monday, at 3:22 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 0100 south block of US 421 reference a multi-vehicle crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Julian Sanchez and assisting deputies determined the following occurred.
A gold 2010 Chrysler minivan was traveling northbound on US 421. The minivan rear-ended a northbound blue 2009 Lexus. Following the collision, the minivan drove left of center into the southbound lane of US 421. The minivan then collided with a southbound white 2018 Ford.
The driver of the minivan was identified as 36-year-old Jeremy D. CATCHINGS of Michigan City. Deputies developed probable at the crash scene that CATCHINGS was impaired.
CATCHINGS was placed in a La Porte County EMS ambulance for treatment. He was uncooperative and argumentative with EMS personnel and Deputy Sanchez. EMS eventually left the scene with CATCHINGS and transported him to an area hospital.
Deputies responded to the hospital at the request of EMS personnel. Deputy Sanchez learned CATCHINGS threatened an EMS employee while holding a pair of scissors that he had accessed from within the ambulance.
CATCHINGS was medically cleared and taken into custody. He was transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ) and arrested for the following offenses:
- Intimidation – w/a Deadly Weapon, L5 Felony
- OWI – Prior, L6 Felony
- OWI – Endangerment, A-Misdemeanor
- Driving While Suspended – Prior, A-Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving, A-Misdemeanor
CATCHINGS remains housed in the LCJ and is not eligible for bond.
No serious injuries were sustained during the crash. US 421 was closed for one (1) hour for the crash investigation and removal of the wreckage.
Assisting: Sergeants Keith Wilson and Ryan Elcock, Deputies Jet Balenia and Xavier Biggerstaff, Michigan City Police Department, Westville Volunteer Fire Department, Dave’s Garage
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.