LaPorte Police are investigating whether one driver was intoxicated after a two-car accident at East Lincolnway and Boston Street on Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2015.
Joshua Gearhart, 29, of LaPorte, was driving a 1989 Ford Ranger. Police found him bleeding heavily from the head and smelling of alcoholic beverage. He was transported to IU Health LaPorte Hospital, then later transferred to South Bend Memorial Hospital due to the extent of his injuries.
A passenger in Gearhart’s vehicle, Mitchell Renz, 30, was also injured. Renz told police that Gearhart was driving east on East Lincolnway when the traffic light turned yellow and Gearhart sped up to beat the light. His vehicle then collided with a 2012 GMC Acadia driven by Katerina Kalisz, 27, of LaPorte. Renz was also transported to IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
Kalisz told police she was stopped at the red light heading south on Boston Street, and when the light turned green, she entered the intersection and was struck on the passenger side by Gearhart’s vehicle.
Police said Gearhart’s driving privileges had been suspended earlier for 10 years after he was convicted as being a habitual traffic violator. He also had a prior conviction for operating while intoxicated within the past 5 years. A review of charges has been forwarded to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.