SUV rear-ends motorcycle in La Porte Monday night, killing the passenger

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- Authorities say an SUV crashed into the back of a motorcycle on S.R. 2, in the area of C.R. 150 East around 8:50 p.m. Monday night, ejecting both occupants of the motorcycle and killing the passenger. 

La Porte County Deputies say a blue 2012 Honda motorcycle was being driven by 82-year-old Larry Cummings of Fort Myers Florida was going east of S.R. 2 and a silver 2006 GMC SUV driven by 32-year-old Angel Almaraz of La Porte was behind the motorcycle, also going east on S.R. 2

"The eastbound SUV crashed into the rear of the eastbound motorcycle," the La Porte County Sheriff's Office said.

Seventy-three-year-old Cheryl Skidmore, also of Fort Myers, and Cummings were both suffered upper body injures. Cummings was taken to an area hospital while Skidmore was flown to a regional hospital where she died from her injuries. 

Authorities say Almaraz did not sustain any injuries during the crash and that, "deputies observed Almaraz to be exhibiting indicators of impairment and he was taken into custody at the scene."

Members from the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT) and Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were activated and responded to help with the investigation.

Almaraz was taken to the La Porte County Jail and charged with

• Operating While Intoxicated – Causing Death, L4 Felony
• Operating While Intoxicated – Causing SBI, Prior Conviction, L4 Felony
• Never Receiving a License – C-Misdemeanor

As of June 4, He remains in the jail on a $20,305 cash-only bond through La Porte County Circuit Court.

Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.