Lafayette Man Charged in Porter County Crash That Killed Passenger
VALPARAISO— A Lafayette man is now facing multiple charges in connection with a May crash in Porter County that claimed the life of a female passenger, according to court documents.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2025, shortly after 7:00 a.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle collision at Railroad Avenue and Park Avenue. They found a 1994 Nissan Altima, driven by 39-year-old John A. Hunley, Jr., had left the roadway and struck a building. A female passenger, later identified as Dacia Potts, was extricated from the vehicle unconscious and unresponsive and subsequently died from blunt force injuries. Hunley was conscious at the scene and transported for medical care.
Hunley initially told police another vehicle forced him off the road, but after being informed that camera footage was available, he changed his statement, saying he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. He also said he had discouraged Potts from driving because her license was suspended.
Toxicology tests revealed Hunley’s blood was positive for multiple controlled substances including opiates, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Medical records indicate that during his hospital stay he was administered fentanyl and oxycodone; the other substances were already in his system.
An autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed Potts died of multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.
Charges Filed August 26, 2025
• Level 4 Felony: Causing death when operating a motor vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in blood
• Class A Misdemeanor: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person
• Class C Misdemeanor: Operating a vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance or its metabolite in blood
• Class C Misdemeanor: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Hunley was lodged in the Porter County Jail on September 15, 2025.
