A 13-year-old Portage girl is fighting for her life after she was struck by an SUV Monday night while riding an electric scooter on Lakewood Avenue. The driver has since been arrested on multiple operating while intoxicated charges, according to the Portage Police Department.
Police say officers were dispatched at approximately 11:19 p.m. Monday, July 27, to the 6500 block of Lakewood Avenue for a crash involving an injury.
The preliminary investigation indicates two juveniles were riding electric scooters side-by-side westbound on Lakewood Avenue when they encountered an eastbound black 2020 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 25-year-old Kameron Hood of Portage.
Investigators believe the SUV was traveling near the center of the roadway because vehicles were parked along the south shoulder. As a result, one of the scooters entered the vehicle’s path and was struck.
The 13-year-old rider suffered life-threatening head injuries and was transported to a local hospital before being flown by Lutheran Air to a regional trauma center. The second juvenile rider was not injured and remained at the scene, where she later provided a statement alongside her parents.
The Portage Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team responded to investigate the collision.
According to police, Hood cooperated with investigators, provided a statement, and submitted to chemical testing. Authorities say the test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%, above Indiana’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Investigators also noted that power remained out in the area following storms earlier in the day, leaving the roadway without functioning streetlights. Police additionally believe the electric scooter involved in the crash did not have a forward-facing light illuminated or reflectors attached.
Hood was arrested and booked into the Porter County Jail, where she is being held without bond. She faces the following preliminary charges:
- Operating While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated (BAC between 0.08 and 0.15) – Class C Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated Endangering – Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction – Level 6 Felony
The charges are preliminary and remain subject to review by the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Portage Police Department thanked the Portage Fire Department, Lutheran Air medical personnel, and Porter County 911 telecommunicators for their assistance during the response.
Authorities also expressed their sympathy to everyone affected by the crash and said they are praying for the young victim’s recovery.
