In a joint statement shared by the New Prairie United School Corporation and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies said they were first called to the scene just after 3 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of US-20 and North Fail Road, in Kankakee Township, following a report of a multi-vehicle crash.
When crews arrived, they found four vehicles, a single axle box truck, a commercial vehicle and two ‘mini-buses’ operated by the New Prairie United School Corporation.
In an update shared just before 8 a.m. on Friday morning, deputies said a man had been taken into custody and is now facing a felony charge in connection with the crash.
According to deputies, 41-year-old Shawn Wesly Russell Akison, a Romeoville resident, has been charged with one felony count of criminal recklessness. The charge was handed down shortly after the crash.
Deputies said just before the crash, officers from the St. Joseph County Police Department were notified about a box truck that was allegedly spotted driving recklessly as it traveled northbound along State Road 2.
After locating the truck, which was allegedly being driven by Akison, in an area near State Road 2 and Timothy Road, a St. Joseph County deputy attempted to pull him over, but he allegedly failed to stop and continued driving.
The deputy eventually terminated the pursuit near State Road 2 and County Road 900 East.
Later in the day, just after 3 p.m., a La Porte County deputy was called to investigate a box truck that was allegedly spotted driving recklessly near State Road 2 and US-20. Less than five minutes later, deputies received a call about the multi-vehicle crash near US-20 and North Fail Road.
Authorities arrived on the scene and were able to confirm that the box truck that was allegedly being driven by Akison had been involved in a crash in the area.
According to deputies, as Akison approached the intersection, he allegedly crashed the truck into a commercial motor vehicle and two ‘mini-buses’ operated by the New Prairie United School Corporation.
Officials said the buses were carrying members of the New Prairie High School baseball team and their coaches, who were headed to a game at the time of the crash.
In total, two coaches and seven student-athletes suffered injuries in the crash. Some were treated at the scene while several others were taken to the hospital.
One of the injured students was taken to the hospital via helicopter.
Authorteis have not provided updates on the conditions of anyone involved and it is unclear what led to the crash.
Deputies said following the crash, Akison was taken into custody at the scene. He was initially taken to the hospital for evaluation, but after he was cleared for release, he was taken to the La Porte County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $15,005.00 cash-only bond.
Toxicology test results for Akison are currently pending and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
“We are asking for your thoughts and prayers for all of the injured, their families and friends, and the entire school corporation,” Cpt. Derek Allen from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said. “Please do not speculate on the circumstances of the crash and respect the privacy of those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed or who may have dash cam video of the box truck being operated on State Road 2 or US-20 to contact the La Porte County Chief of Detectives – Captain Andy Hynek at ahynek@lcso.in.gov.
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