Drunk Driver Gets Stuck On Train Tracks & Vehicle Struck By Train
On August 3, 2020, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Patrolman Logan Redmon was dis- patched to the area of Nickel Plate Ave. and Axe Ave. due to the report of a vehicle being stuck on the railroad tracks, according to The Valparaiso Police. Upon his arrival, he observed the vehicle 300 meters west of the crossing and noted it was still occupied. Ptrl. Redmon further noted that an eastbound train was approaching the vehicle, as the train horn was sounding. Ptrl. Redmon took action, assisting the driver from the vehicle and away from the tracks as the train approached. The driver and Ptrl. Redmon were able to get a safe distance from the vehicle and tracks, prior to the train striking the now, unoccupied vehicle, police stated. There is no known injury reported as a result of the crash.
The driver was identified as Matthew Helsel, 36, of Kouts. Matthew exhibited several signs of intoxication during his contact with officers, and admitted having consumed alcoholic beverages prior to their contact with him. An operating while intoxicated investigation commenced, which resulted in Helsel being arrested on multiple counts of the offense. Matthew was incarcerated at the Porter County Jail on his charges.
