I-65 Crash Kills Driver, Sends Two to Hospital

LAKE COUNTY- This morning at 12:45 a.m., troopers from the ISP Lowell Post responded to a single vehicle crash on I-65 southbound at the exit ramp to Ridge Rd.  Preliminary investigation by Trooper Dennis Griffin revealed that a black 2020 Maserati Ghibili was southbound on I-65 on the ramp to Ridge Rd. when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway and drove into the west ditch.  The vehicle became airborne and struck a utility pole.  The vehicle was occupied by the driver and two passengers.  The driver, Walter A. Allen, 28, from Chicago, IL, was declared deceased at the scene by the Lake County Coroner.  Notification to family has been made.  The passengers, Racara Liberty, 31 and Damaun Johnson, 32, both from Blue Island, IL, were transported to Franciscan Health Hospital in Crown Point with serious injuries. 

During the crash investigation, it was discovered that the Maserati had been reported stolen to Chicago Police in December 2019.  Also located were two Glock 9mm handguns, one of which also had been reported stolen in Georgia.  Ecstasy and marijuana were also recovered from inside the vehicle.   

*The investigation is ongoing.  All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. 

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