LAKE CO. – Monday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m., Trooper Riley Hieb was dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on I-80/94 at the 3.8-mile marker.
Preliminary investigation shows that a gray 2005 Chrysler van was eastbound when for unknown reasons, the vehicle struck the right barrier wall, then crossed the lanes and struck the center median wall head-on.
Emergency personnel located an adult male driver, later identified as Larry Haynes Jr., 36, from Chicago, IL, with serious injuries.
Also, inside the rear of the vehicle were two juveniles, a female and a male both less than 10 years of age, one of which had sustained potentially life-threatening injuries.
That child was flown to a hospital in Chicago for treatment. The second child was transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital for treatment. Neither of the children had been properly restrained in the vehicle with car seats.
Haynes was transported to Munster Community Hospital for treatment. While at the hospital, Trooper Hieb requested a warrant for blood to test for intoxication. That warrant was subsequently granted and later completed at the hospital. Toxicology results are pending. Haynes was not incarcerated due to the nature of his injuries. Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a factor in this crash.
Assisting at the scene were the Hammond Fire Department and Double T Towing.
Once the toxicology results have been determined, all reports will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor for consideration of charges.
