Sierra Najae Johnson, 23, of Hammond, is charged in Lake County after police say she drove a vehicle while multiple children were hanging off the back, causing them to fall and suffer serious injuries.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on February 14, 2026, in the 6200 block of Van Buren Avenue in Hammond. Police say three juveniles — ages 10, 10, and 9 — were standing on the rear bumper of a Dodge Nitro, holding onto the lift gate, when the vehicle hit a bump and all three fell off. One of the children was reported unable to see after the fall and was later found to have suffered a skull fracture, brain bleeding, a neck fracture, and seizures. The child was initially transported to a local hospital before being flown to a children’s hospital in critical condition. Another child suffered a possible fractured arm and road rash to her lower stomach, while a third complained of elbow pain.  

Police said the children had been at a sleepover at the home when Johnson drove them to Dollar Tree for items. According to investigators, Johnson admitted she asked the girls if they wanted to stand on the back of her vehicle and hang on as she drove. She told police that while returning through the alley, the lift gate was open and the girls climbed from the back seat onto the rear bumper. Johnson stated she “probably accelerated too quickly” while turning into the alley, which caused the girls to lose their grip and fall. She told investigators she was traveling under 10 mph and said she did not force or pressure the girls to get on the back of the vehicle.  

One of the victims told investigators Johnson asked, “Who wanted to have fun?” and said, “Get on the back of the truck.” The victim said the group was excited and climbed onto the back before Johnson accelerated fast, causing them to fall. The victim also stated she does not believe Johnson initially realized they had fallen and said Johnson later picked up one of the girls who was unconscious. The same victim told investigators that adults inside the home were smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.  

Another victim reported that Johnson was recording the children on her phone while they were hanging off the back of the vehicle and continued driving even after the children asked her to go slow. The victim said she lost her grip and fell, later recalling that she could not see following the fall.  

Police say one of the children had to be carried inside after the fall and was initially unresponsive. A 911 call was placed at approximately 8:52 p.m., and emergency responders transported the injured children for treatment. The child with the most severe injuries did not regain full consciousness until two days later and later told her mother that Johnson had been driving while the children were hanging onto the outside of the vehicle when they fell after hitting a bump or pothole. 

Lodged in the Lake County Jail on April 4,2026.

Charges filed March 31,2026:

    •    Neglect of a Dependent resulting in serious bodily injury — Level 3 Felony (x1)

    •    Neglect of a Dependent resulting in bodily injury — Level 5 Felony (x1)

    •    Neglect of a Dependent placing dependent in dangerous situation — Level 6 Felony (x1)

    •    Criminal Recklessness committed with a deadly weapon — Level 6 Felony (x3)