Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes & Spits On Paramedics
This afternoon at 12:20 p.m., the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center began to receive 911 calls of an erratic driver southbound on I-65 from U.S. 30. Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Dwayne Haliburton and Trooper John Landowski show that the vehicle, a white 2005 Ford van, struck a median wall at an unknown mile-marker while callers were reporting the van’s dangerous lane movements. The van continued south to the 245 mile-marker where it left the roadway, crashed into a guardrail and overturned. The van came to a rest upright, blocking the left two lanes. The driver, identified as Anthony Maldonado, 46 from Oak Park, IL, sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. However, while being treated by emergency personnel, Mr. Maldonado became combative with the paramedics, spitting on one of them. Mr. Maldonado was then transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point for treatment. Toxicology results are pending.
The driver was not incarcerated but remains hospitalized for treatment. When released, he will be facing charges which will include the following:
- Battery on Emergency Responder by Bodily Fluid- Level 6 Felony
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash- Class A Misdemeanor
- O.W.I.- Endangering- Class A Misdemeanor
- O.W.I.- Class C Misdemeanor
Assisting at the scene was the Crown Point Fire/EMS and Area Towing.
All persons named in this release are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. All charges mentioned are merely accusations, actual charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
