La Porte, IN – A 21-year-old man is in custody after allegedly battering a juvenile driver and crashing a vehicle along US 20 early Friday morning in La Porte County.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 12:29 a.m. to the 4600 west block of US 20 after a reported disturbance and crash. At the scene, deputies found a vehicle in a ditch and a 17-year-old girl who claimed the suspect had battered her and crashed the car.
Deputy Julian Sanchez located the suspect, identified as Caleb M. Austin, walking westbound on US 20 near County Road 525 West. Deputy Austin Wells detained him and returned him to the crash site.
Investigators say the incident began while the juvenile was driving eastbound on US 20. An argument allegedly escalated when Austin reportedly battered her and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to leave the road. The juvenile regained control and exited the vehicle. Authorities say Austin then took the driver’s seat and subsequently crashed the car into a ditch before fleeing on foot.
Austin was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the La Porte County Jail. He faces multiple charges including two counts of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Domestic Battery, Driving While Suspended (Prior), Criminal Recklessness, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash.
He is currently held on a $605 cash-only bond.
The case remains under investigation with assistance from Sergeant Scott Lanoue and the La Porte Police Department. Authorities emphasize that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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