Trooper Struck While Investigating Crash on I-80

HAMMOND- For the third time in as many weeks, an Indiana State Trooper has been struck while investigating a prior crash. This morning at 4:07 a.m., troopers from the ISP Lowell Post were investigating a multiple vehicle crash on I-80/94 eastbound at the 1.7 mile-marker.  As a result of this crash, the right three lanes were blocked as one of the vehicles stalled and was unable to be moved from the lane.  Preliminary investigation by Sgt. Dwayne Dillahunty and Trooper Nicole Maenza shows that Trooper Jarah Burgin parked his fully marked police car behind the disabled vehicle with its emergency lights activated.   He also placed approximately 30 flares on the roadway to block the lanes.  This is done for several safety reasons, including to alert drivers of the blocked lanes as well as to provide additional warning lighting at the scene.  There were also at least three other police cars at the scene with their emergency lights activated. 

As Trp. Burgin was standing outside of his police car and about to enter it, a tan 2007 Buick disregarded the flares and lighting and struck the 2020 Dodge Charger police car.  The Buick then struck Trp. Burgin, catapulting him into the air and striking the windshield of the Buick before the vehicle eventually stopped.  Trp. Burgin’s handcuffs were lodged in the windshield of the Buick.  Troopers at the scene immediately began to render aid to both Trp. Burgin as well as the driver of the Buick, Jennifer A. Spikes, 35, from Gary, IN.   Both patients were transported to Community Hospital in Munster.  Trp. Burgin sustained serious injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.  As a result of the crash, evidence at the scene led troopers to believe that alcohol may be a factor.  Ms. Spikes was offered field sobriety tests as well as a certified chemical test for intoxication and drugs, but she refused all tests.  A search warrant for a blood draw was requested through the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.  Once approval by a judge was obtained, the search warrant was executed, and a blood draw was completed.  The results of that test are pending. 

Jennifer Spikes was later released from the hospital and transported to the Lake County Jail.  She is preliminary charged with the following:

• O.W.I. Causing Injury- Level 5 Felony
• O.W.I. Endangering a Person- Class A Misdemeanor
• O.W.I. – Class C Misdemeanor
• Driving While Suspended Causing Injury- Level 6 Felony
• Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicle- Infraction

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.

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