La Porte County, IN – A 41-year-old man from Romeoville, Illinois, was arrested following a serious crash on U.S. 20 that injured seven student-athletes from the New Prairie High School baseball team. The incident, which involved a box truck colliding with two school buses, occurred on Thursday afternoon.
At approximately 3:13 PM, authorities responded to reports of a reckless driving box truck traveling westbound on U.S. 20, approaching the Fail Road intersection. Deputies from the St. Joseph County Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver, identified as Shawn Wesly Russell Akison, failed to yield and continued driving dangerously. The pursuit was later terminated for safety reasons as the truck traveled toward the La Porte County line.
The crash occurred around 3:16 PM when the box truck collided with a commercial motor vehicle and two minibuses carrying members of the New Prairie High School baseball team. The buses were en route to a scheduled game. The collision resulted in injuries to two coaches and five student-athletes. Emergency responders rushed those injured to nearby hospitals, with one student-athlete airlifted due to the severity of the injuries.
Akison was arrested at the scene and initially taken to a hospital for treatment before being transported to La Porte County Jail. He faces charges of Criminal Recklessness, a Level 5 Felony. His bond is set at $15,005.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with toxicology results still pending. Authorities are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage to come forward. Updates on the condition of the victims and the school’s response will continue to be provided.
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