Driver jailed on preliminary OWI, reckless homicide charges in fatal Rockport Road crash, according to MCSO press release, and jail app

Bloomingtonian Staff Report

Bloomington, Ind. – March 1, 2026

A Bloomington man was jailed Sunday on preliminary felony charges after investigators say he crossed the center line and caused a three-vehicle crash that killed a 74-year-old woman and seriously injured a child last week on South Rockport Road.

The Monroe County Major Crash Investigation Team said the crash occurred Feb. 25, 2026, near S. Rockport Road and W. Stansifer Court. A northbound Subaru allegedly crossed left of center into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Kia. A Toyota then became involved after striking debris from the crash, investigators said. The information was released offcially in a press release sent to the media Sunday just after 7 p.m.

The driver of the Kia was identified as Theadora Wellman, 74, of Bloomington. She was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

A 7-year-old passenger in the Subaru suffered serious injuries and was flown to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for treatment, but has since been discharged, according to the release. The driver of the Toyota was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and was treated and released the night of the crash.

Investigators identified the Subaru driver as James Caudell, 48, of Bloomington. He was initially taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Officials said Caudell consented to a chemical test, but toxicology results are still pending.

After Caudell was discharged from the hospital on March 1, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody and transported him to the Monroe County Jail, according to the crash team.

Caudell was booked on preliminary charges of reckless homicide; operating while intoxicated causing death; operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury; and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury.

The investigation remains ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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The post Driver jailed on preliminary OWI, reckless homicide charges in fatal Rockport Road crash, according to MCSO press release, and jail app first appeared on The Bloomingtonian.