La Porte County-An aggressive driver sent four people (including himself) to the hospital after causing a crash on I-94; yesterday afternoon.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Nathan Wolfe revealed at approximately 3:18 p.m., yesterday, Sunday, July 24, 2016, a 2012 Mercedes, driven by Sanimir Ekic, 21 of Kentwood, Michigan, was west bound on I-94 driving aggressively for several miles, in and out of traffic, when for unknown reasons traffic began to slow down. Ekic’s Mercedes hit a 2012 Subaru SUV at the 38.2 mile marker (this is approximately 1 ½ miles west of the La Porte exit) that was in the left lane. The Subaru, driven by Sharon Parmet, 41 of Chicago, Illinois began to spin after being hit and struck a Harley Davidson Motorcycle that was in the middle lane slowing down/stopping and was driven by a Michael Beckette, 64 of Markham, Ontario. Beckette was thrown off the motorcycle into the windshield of the Subaru and then came to rest on the outer shoulder.
The Mercedes came to rest against the inner barrier wall. The Subaru came to rest facing east bound in the far right lane. The motorcycle came to rest in the ditch off the outer shoulder.
Beckette was taken to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City with non-life threatening injuries. Parmet and her passenger, Todd Leibov, 45 of Chicago, were also taken to Saint Anthony’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Ekic was initially taken to Saint Anthony’s Hospital but was later transferred to a hospital in South Bend with a serious leg injury.
All west bound traffic at this location was closed until 3:55 p.m., when the far right lane and shoulder were opened. All lanes reopened at 4:20 p.m.,
Ekic was cited for Speed too Fast and further charges may be pending.
Assisting: Trooper Anthony Potesta, La Porte County EMS and Cloverleaf Towing.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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