Preliminary investigation by Trooper Ala’a Hamed revealed at approximately 3:00 a.m., this Thursday, October 24, 2019, a 2017 Ford Explorer, driven by 
Andrew J. Lech, 38 of Hobart, was entering I-80/94 west bound from I-65 north bound when he failed to yield to a 2016 Volvo semi-tractor pulling a trailer, owned by Hunter Trucking out of Minnesota, and driven by Warren L. Hunter, 62 of Houston, Minnesota who was west bound in the right lane. Lech’s driver’s side sideswiped Hunters’ passenger side. This caused the Explorer to ricochet off and go south bound across west bound I-80/94 and hit a 2016 Volvo semi-tractor pulling two trailers owned by FedEx Delivery out of Pennsylvania, and driven by Ryan D. Racine, 32 of South Bend.
After the Explorer hit the FedEx semi it ricocheted again this time going north bound across I-80/94 west bound and hitting the outer concrete barrier wall where it came to rest.
A 2019 Kenworth semi-tractor pulling a trailer, owned by US Prime Freight System out of California, and driven by Robin J. Johnson, 40 of Torrance, California rear ended the 2016 Volvo’s trailer (Hunter’s vehicle) when it was briefly disabled in the roadway after being hit by Lech.
West bound lanes were closed for approximately an hour with traffic getting by only on the inner shoulder.
A canine that was in Lech’s vehicle was given for care to the Lake County Animal Control.
Lech upon further investigation was found to be impaired testing almost 3 times over the legal limit of .08% B.A.C.
Lech was taken and incarcerated at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point and was charged with:
- Operating While Intoxicated with Prior Conviction-Level 6 Felony
- Operating While Intoxicated Endangerment-Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor
There were no injuries.
Assisting: Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Bert’s Towing
Picture is of Lech’s Explorer and Johnson’s Kenworth semi
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.