ORLAND, IN (WTVB) – A Coldwater man was arrested Sunday night following a two vehicle crash on the north side of Orland, Indiana that the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department says was alcohol related and left an Orland man critically injured.
The Sheriff’s Department says the crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. in the area of State Road 327 and County Road 650 North.
They say an initial crash scene investigation indicated that a 2003 Ford F-350 pickup truck pulling a construction trailer that was driven by 34-year-old Charles J. Beerman of Coldwater was traveling north on 327 as it approached County Road 650 North.
The second vehicle involved was a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by 68 year old Paul M. Pence of rural Orland, Indiana which was also traveling north on 327 ahead of Beerman’s vehicle.
There was a third uninvolved vehicle traveling between Pence and Beerman.
As the three vehicles were approaching 650 North, the Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release that Beerman decided to pass the two vehicles on the left in front of him in a no passing zone.
As Beerman was in the middle of making the pass, Pence began making a left hand turn onto 650 North. Pence’s vehicle was struck broadside.
Pence had to be freed by Orland firefighters. He was flown to a Fort Wayne area hospital by Samaritan helicopter in critical condition.
Beerman was uninjured in the crash and according to the Sheriff’s Department showed signs of impairment.
Due to the extent and seriousness of the injuries involved, the Steuben County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was activated.
After further investigation by the crash team, Beerman was taken into custody and booked into the Steuben County Jail on preliminary charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Beerman was being held Monday morning on a $5,000 bond.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
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