Driver who hit ISP trooper facing OWI charges
LA GRANGE COUNTY, Ind. -- An 18-year-old man was arrested for OWI after his vehicle hit an Indiana State Police patrol car on US20 early Tuesday morning, according to ISP.
Trooper Daniel Burkey was driving westbound on US 20 near SR 9 in La Grange when he saw a 2008 Infiniti traveling eastbound driving erratically.
Trooper Burkey turned around and activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch up with the Infiniti.
When the trooper crested a hill west of CR 200 E, he saw the Infiniti straddling the center line, reports said.
As the trooper got closer, the Infiniti began backing up in the middle of the road.
The trooper steered to his left to avoid a collision, just as the driver, 18-year-old Austin McKnight, turned in the same direction.
Mc Knight's vehicle struck the front of Trooper Burkey's patrol car.
McKnight was taken to Parkview LaGrange Hospital where he was treated and released.
Tooper Burkey sought precautionary medical attention and was released.
Mc Knight's BAC was almost three times the legal limit of .08%, police said.
McKnight faces the following preliminary charges:
- Operating while intoxicated, greater than .15% BAC
- Operating while intoxicated, aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Minor in possession of alcohol