Teen Charged With OWI After Crashing Into SBPD Police Car

On Wednesday night, a 19-year-old was arrested after crashing head-on into a South Bend police car on Olive Street. According to police, the driver crossed the center line and struck the patrol car just after the officer completed a traffic stop near Tucker Drive and turned onto Olive Street. The entire incident was captured on the patrol vehicle’s dashboard camera.

While speaking with the driver, officers detected an odor of alcohol and observed him slurring his words and unstable on his feet. He declined both medical tests for minor injuries and a sobriety test but was transported to an area hospital for a blood draw and medical clearance. The officer was evaluated for a hand injury sustained during the crash.

The teen was ultimately transported to the St. Joseph County Jail and charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), Endangering a Person, and a Minor Consuming Alcohol in collaboration with the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

In Indiana, OWI is a serious offense, especially for drivers under age 21. State law sets a lower threshold for underage drivers, with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of just 0.02% to trigger charges. A conviction can result in license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and potential imprisonment.

In this case, the driver faces additional consequences for Minor Consuming Alcohol and an enhanced OWI charge for endangering another person. Under Indiana Code, an OWI is elevated when an impaired driver operates a vehicle in a manner that puts another individual at risk of harm. This enhancement can increase the level of offense and result in harsher penalties, including longer license suspension, steeper fines, and more significant jail time.

Wilson & Kinsman, LLC is a full-service personal injury law firm. If you or a loved one have been injured, call 574-522-1900, book online now, or submit a form for your free consultation. With office locations in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, we proudly serve clients in St. Joseph County and throughout the state.

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I would like to first give thanks to Eric Kinsman for all he has done for me. I got a criminal mischief charge and was facing a year in jail, this is because I have a past that didn’t look good on me. The prosecutor was determined to get me jail time which gave me high stress, it’s been a long 6 months. What Eric did behind the scenes was incredible not only did he keep me informed on everything the whole time dealing with this case, he also managed to talk the prosecutor into giving me good behavior for a year. I didn’t think there was a chance in the world to make this happen but with the great knowledge he carries he seen things most would have not in this case. He was determined to keep me out of jail and off papers. I’m incredibly thankful to have chosen him as my attorney in this case.

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Honest and professional

I was charged with an OWI in Elkhart County and Eric was my first call. He was very helpful and personable throughout the entire process. I certainly appreciated his honesty and professionalism. Eric is definitely well experienced in handling these matters. Thanks to his help and guidance, we were able to have all of our necessary steps done before going to court that helped to retain driving privileges. The judge even remarked at how well the case had been managed during the hearing. With Eric’s help, I was able to obtain specialized driving privileges very promptly. I am still able to tend to my life’s responsibilities and my work. I would highly recommend Eric to anyone else needing help with OWI/DUI charges.

anonymous

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Eric Kinsman is a kind, professional, and compassionate lawyer who saved our lives when we were falsely accused. We were terrified, confused, and stunned by the situation and he gave us guidance and help in the most stressful moment in our lives. He knows how to break down the game plan in easy to understand language so you know what is going to happen and you don’t feel disconnected or unsure of what is happening. He is very talented and knowledgeable and knows how to work with the prosecutor and really help his clients through the whole process. You’re not a number in Eric’s office – you’re a person and his staff treats you that way too. I will be eternally grateful to Eric Kinsman and his staff and their kindness and compassion.

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