Lake Station- On Thursday evening at approximately 11:00 p.m., Trooper Burgin and Trooper Parent responded to I-80/94 EB near the 14 mile-marker. Preliminary investigation shows that a Lake Station Police car was traveling eastbound when it was rear ended by another vehicle. Both vehicles pulled over to the right shoulder.
The Lake Station Police Department contacted the Lowell Post to take a crash report. During the crash investigation, troopers determined that the driver of the red 2017 Mazda had consumed alcoholic beverages and administered field sobriety tests. The driver, Ashley Kretchmer, 20, from North Judson, IN, was later transported to the Lake County Jail where she failed a certified chemical test for intoxication. She registered .17% B.A.C. (Blood Alcohol Content), the legal limit in Indiana being .08%. She is preliminarily facing the following charges:
- W.I. Endangering- Class A Misdemeanor
- W.I. .15% or Above- Class A Misdemeanor
- Minor Consumption of Alcoholic Beverage- Class C Misdemeanor
No injuries were reported as a result of this crash. The 2019 Dodge Charger sustained minor damage to the rear bumper area but was able to be driven from the scene.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in court. Charges mentioned are accusations, final charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind everyone that if you choose to consume alcoholic beverages, there are several rideshare alternatives that provide safe transportation instead of choosing to drive under the influence Also, in Indiana, the legal drinking age is 21 years of age.
