Impaired Driver Crashes into I-65 Scale House

Lake County- This evening at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center received 911 calls of a vehicle that had crashed into the I-65 scale house located just north of the Lowell exit. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Nicholas Isajczuk shows that a black, 2015, Toyota Rav4 drove onto the closed scale ramp at a high rate of speed and struck the yellow gate arm.  The 20-foot-long steel gate pierced the front of the vehicle and exited out the rear of the vehicle.  The driver was not hit by the steel gate and was seen walking around the vehicle following the crash. Observations made by Trp. Isajczuk led him to conduct an O.W.I. investigation on the driver.   The driver, Rebeca L. Claus, 33, from Shelby, IN, was offered the opportunity to take a certified chemical test, but she refused.  She was then transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point where she again refused to submit to any chemical tests. Once medical clearance is obtained, she will be transported to the Lake County Jail for processing. 

Claus will be charged with Operating While Intoxicated (Class A Misdemeanor) and Operating While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor). 

The Indiana State Police takes this opportunity to remind motorists if you consume alcoholic beverages, do not get behind the wheel and drive.  Please use a designated SOBER driver, available ride-sharing alternatives, or call a friend for a safe ride home.

*All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.

*Mug photo not available at the writing of this release.

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