Bloomington disability activist injured in crash by suspected drunk driver

Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — August 19, 2025

Local disability activist Lesamarie Hacker was hospitalized after a suspected drunk driver crashed into her vehicle last weekend in Monroe County.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Donald C. Andreoni, 75, of Bloomington, was arrested on Aug. 16 after allegedly causing the crash that injured Hacker. Court records show Andreoni is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under 18, a Level 6 felony.

Hacker, who is well known in the Bloomington community for her advocacy work, reached out to The Bloomingtonian from the hospital before being released.

“The hospital wanted me to go to inpatient because my pain is so intense, but I’m having my daughter Ashlie, who is a community leader and campaign manager, help take care of me and I’ll do physical therapy as an outpatient,” Hacker said.

She reported suffering internal bruising, whiplash, a concussion, and a displaced cervical disc. Hacker also expressed gratitude that her twin 5-year-old granddaughters, who were in the car with her, were unharmed.

“I thank God my twin granddaughters who are 5 years old weren’t hurt. All of us were wearing seatbelts and in car seats,” Hacker said.

Hacker said the crash occurred on North Tunnel Road.

According to the affidavit, responding officers observed Andreoni allegedly showing signs of intoxication, including poor balance and slurred speech. He was allegedly unable to complete standard field sobriety tests, and a blood draw was conducted with results pending. Officers noted in the report that alcohol containers were visible in his vehicle.

Andreoni has a prior conviction for operating while intoxicated, court records show. His driving privileges were immediately suspended following the incident.

Hacker has long campaigned for disability rights and accessibility in Bloomington.

All criminal charges are merely allegations. Andreoni is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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