Man Arrested Following Fatal Multi Vehicle Crash
On April 3, 2020, at approximately 1:55 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 1400 east block of US Highway 6, in rural Union Township, reference a personal injury crash involving multiple vehicles. Deputies arrived and discovered that a motorcycle, a truck and two passenger vehicles were all involved. A crash investigation was completed by deputies.A passenger vehicle, driven eastbound on U.S. 6 by Thomas P. NELSEN (39 YOA) of Knox, Indiana, crossed the center line and collided with a truck, driven by Joseph D. Davis (33 YOA) of LaPorte, in the westbound lane of US 6. A passenger vehicle, driven by Charles A. Witten (55 YOA) of Kingsford Heights, swerved and collided with a NIPSCO utility pole. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by Levi A. McDowell (38 YOA) of Kingsford Heights, slid and rolled over. McDowell and his wife, Barbara E. (51 YOA), were ejected from the motorcycle. Early this morning (4/4), Barbara McDowell died at an area hospital from injuries sustained as a result of the crash.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT) were summoned to the scene to assist. NELSEN was taken into custody and eventually transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ).NELSEN’S passenger, who is also his wife, Kelly L. (41 YOA), was issued an Information and Summons (Non-Custodial Arrest) to appear for Possession of a Controlled Substance (A-Misdemeanor) and was later released.Thomas P. NELSEN has been arrested for the offenses of Operating While Intoxicated-Causing Death (Level 4 Felony), Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felony) and Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment (A-Misdemeanor). NELSEN remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $20,005.00 cash-only bond through La Porte County Circuit Court.
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the Kingsford Heights Police Department, Kingsford-Union Volunteer Fire Department, La Porte County EMS, Memorial MedFlight, NIPSCO and John’s Garage.The crash remains under investigation by members of FACT.
