Valparaiso Woman Injured in ORV Crash, Faces Felony Charges
A Valparaiso woman was seriously injured and now faces felony charges following an off-road vehicle (ORV) crash in the Lake Eliza area, according to an affidavit filed by an Indiana Conservation Officer.
Around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, Officers responded to a report of an ORV crash near 18 Lourdes Street. Upon arrival, they found the female operator, identified as 50-year-old Danielle Bzibziak, being treated by EMS personnel for a serious lower right leg injury. She was later transported to Franciscan Health Hospital in Crown Point.
According to witness statements and the investigation, Bzibziak had been operating a red 2000 Honda 450 ESP ORV at an estimated 40–50 mph northbound on Lourdes Street, which has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Witnesses said two ORVs were seen recklessly speeding through the neighborhood, prompting concern for the safety of children playing nearby.
One witness, told officers he heard the crash from his garage and observed Bzibziak’s ORV roll several times after striking a tree head-on. A second witness, who was riding another ORV behind Bzibziak, confirmed she lost control, veered off the road, and hit the tree before being ejected approximately 50 feet.
Bzibziak later told Officers that she lost control of the ORV and admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day. She also disclosed past cocaine use in the preceding days. She was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.
Although Bzibziak consented to a blood draw at the hospital, the facility did not test for illegal substances due to policy constraints. Given the time elapsed since the crash and lack of immediate drug test results, a warrant was not pursued for further testing.
Officers review of Bzibziak’s driving record revealed she holds only an Indiana ID card and is classified as a habitual traffic violator for life. Her record includes a felony conviction in 2014 for operating while a habitual traffic violator, along with multiple prior offenses for driving while suspended dating back to 2005.
As a result of the investigation, Bzibziak has been formally charged with:
• Count 1: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Driving Privileges Are Suspended As A Habitual Traffic Violator– Level 6 Felony
• Count 2: Operating an Off-Road Vehicle at an Unreasonable Speed – Class B Misdemeanor
The ORV involved sustained significant front-end damage and was found in 5th gear at the time of investigation.
