Indiana State Police
Johnelle Swanson Flees Rollover Crash With Infant Child
Hammond —  In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 9, 2017, troopers were dispatched to a rollover crash with injuries on I-80 eastbound at the 3.4-mile marker.  This is near the Kennedy Ave exit ramp.  While troopers were responding to the scene, they were advised that the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene on foot.  Troopers were also told that he was carrying a small child while he ran.  When Troopers arrived at the scene, they discovered a silver 2012 Chevrolet Equinox on its roof.  Preliminary investigation by Trooper William Stancy showed that the Chevrolet had also struck a 2010 Honda which was also at the scene.  Open alcoholic beverage containers could be seen in the Chevrolet.  Paramedics were dispatched and treated the driver of the Honda for injuries.
Officers with the Hammond Police were able to locate the subject and an infant at the Hampton Inn and transported them back to the crash scene.  The driver, identified as Johnelle Swanson, 32, Chicago, IL, stated that he hadn’t been drinking any alcoholic beverages.  Field sobriety tests were attempted on the driver; however, he refused all of the tests.  A search warrant for his blood was requested and obtained.
Swanson was then transported to Northlake Hosptial in Gary for treatment and to complete a blood draw warrant.  This blood draw resulted in his testing over .08%.  The infant was treated for minor injuries and released to the custody of the child’s mother.  Mr. Swanson was then incarcerated at the Lake County Jail.  He is charged with Neglect of a Dependent with Injury- a Level 5 Felony; O.W.I. with a minor present- a Level 6 Felony; O.W.I. Endangering Another Person – a Class A Misdemeanor; O.W.I. Impairment- Level C Misdemeanor; Leaving the Scene of an Injury Crash- a Class A Misdemeanor; Open Alcoholic Container- a Class C Infraction and No Valid Driver’s License- a Class C Infraction.
Troopers were assisted by the Hammond Police Department, Waffco Towing, and Hammond Fire and EMS.