LAKE CO.- On Saturday, November 16th, Troopers were investigating a vehicle crash involving an impaired driver on I-65 northbound at the ramp to I-80 westbound. Trooper Jace Haddon was sitting in his police car providing scene security with his emergency lights activated when a white Volvo S90 sideswiped his patrol car and attempted to flee the scene. Trooper Haddon radioed to the troopers working the crash ahead of him of the fleeing vehicle.
Trooper Justin Baumeister located the vehicle in the center lane of travel and ordered the driver to stop. The driver was ordered to exit the car, but he refused. Trooper Baumeister and Trooper Beers then opened the driver’s door for him, and the driver eventually complied and exited the vehicle. As troopers were removing the driver, they observed a handgun in the driver’s waistband. The handgun was then removed from the driver’s possession, and also determined that the handgun was loaded. Troopers also observed an open bottle of Hennessy in the front area of the vehicle. The bottle was half empty. A later search of the vehicle also resulted in a white powdery substance being located in the front area of the vehicle.
During this interaction, troopers could detect the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath. Field sobriety tests were administered to the driver, and then he was offered the opportunity to submit to a certified chemical test, which he refused. Trooper Beers then requested a warrant for a blood draw, which was granted and signed by a Lake County Judge. The driver was then transported to a local hospital, where the warrant was executed and the blood draw completed.
The driver, Diandre Jamal Green, 34, from Gary, IN, was transported to the Lake County Jail. He is preliminarily charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of Cocaine While in Possession of a Firearm- Level 5 Felony
- Operating While Intoxicated (Endangering)- Class A Misdemeanor
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash- Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
