South Bend woman arrested for OWI after Indiana Toll Road crash with semi

A South Bend woman was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after crashing into the back of a semi-truck on the Indiana Toll Road.

Indiana State Police say dispatchers began receiving reports around 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, of a black Ford Fusion being driven erratically westbound near the 85-mile marker. Callers reported the vehicle was changing speeds and weaving between lanes.

Before troopers reached the area, dispatch received reports of a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi near the 79-mile marker at about 2:04 p.m.

Troopers responded and found the Ford Fusion had struck the rear of a trailer being towed by a semi traveling in the right lane. Investigators determined it was the same vehicle that had been reported by callers just minutes earlier.

Police identified the driver of the Ford as 32-year-old Destiny Gritzmaker of South Bend. Troopers said they observed signs of impairment while speaking with her and began an operating while intoxicated investigation.

Gritzmaker declined medical treatment at the scene but was taken to a local hospital for treatment of crash-related injuries and a certified chemical test.

After being medically cleared, she was arrested and booked into the St. Joseph County Jail on a preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated causing endangerment.

The driver of the semi was not injured.

Indiana State Police said troopers assigned to the Toll Road Post arrested three drivers for suspected impaired driving on Saturday and reminded motorists never to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Recent Posts