Gary, Lake County-Yesterday, troopers from the Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on I-80/94 east bound at the 5.8 mile marker (this is just west of Burr Street), in which a Portage, Indiana woman died.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Justin Hansen revealed at approximately 10:08 p.m., Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015, a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Bernard Holmes, 27 of Hobart was east bound on I-80/94 in the right lane, driving slower than the posted 55 mile-per-hour posted speed limit, with his emergency hazard lights on, because of a flat tire when he was hit in the rear.
A 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by Rebecca Navarro, 56 of Portage, was east bound in the right lane when a semi that was in front of her swerved to avoid the Malibu. Navarro’s Cruiser then hit the back of the Malibu.
Holmes, his seven month old daughter, and his pregnant 21 year old wife were taken to North Lake Hospital in Gary with non-life threatening injuries. Everyone was wearing a seat belt and the infant was in a child restraint seat.
Navarro was also taken to North Lake Hospital where she later died of her injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol was believed to be a factor in this crash. Family HAS been notified.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind the public by just taking those few extra seconds
to put your seat belt on could significantly lessen injuries and possibly save your life!
The exit lane to Burr Street was closed for the investigation of this crash for approximately one hour.
Assisting: Trooper Paul Arnold Reconstructionist, Gary Police Department, Gary Fire and EMS, Ambassador and Bernie’s Towing
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
-30-
Wojas
Picture #1 is of the PT Cruiser
Picture #2 is of the Chevrolet Malibu
