A man has been charged with a felony after allegedly causing a significant accident in La Porte County that left multiple high school athletes and coaches injured. The crash occurred Thursday afternoon and involved four vehicles, according to a statement shared by the New Prairie United School Corporation and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. First responders arrived at the scene near the intersection of US-20 and North Fail Road in Kankakee Township just after 3 p.m., responding to reports of the collision, as FOX59 reported.
Earlier that day, an attempted traffic stop of a box truck driver along State Road 2 near Timothy Road led to a police chase that the deputy in pursuit chose not to continue. This same truck was later involved in the incident that caused injury to the students and coaches. Shawn Wesly Russell Akison, 41, was the driver identified and subsequently arrested in connection with the crash involving high school buses, as detailed by WISH-TV.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office has been actively investigating the crash, with Captain Andy Hynec leading the examination for any additional evidence, such as dash camera footage witnessed by the public. "We are asking for your thoughts and prayers for all of the injured, their families and friends, and the entire school corporation," Derek Allen, administrative captain for the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, said in the press release, stressing the importance of respecting privacy and refraining from speculation, as stated in a press release obtained by WISH-TV.
While toxicology test results are pending, the community is left grappling with the immediate consequences of Thursday's tragedy.
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