LA PORTE, Ind. — Authorities in northwest Indiana say a driver ignored road closure barricades and entered a restricted area while deputies were investigating a deadly crash early Friday morning.
The incident began around 4:17 a.m. on March 13, when emergency crews responded to reports of a serious personal injury crash on U.S. 35, just north of Stonehedge Way.
Preliminary findings indicate that a green 2006 Hummer traveling southbound veered off the west side of the roadway. The vehicle continued across a grass-covered shoulder, struck a gravel surface and became airborne before coming to a stop.
The driver, identified as 50-year-old Jose A. Jenkins of La Porte, was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult female passenger and three juveniles inside the vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
While deputies were processing the scene and had barricaded a section of U.S. 35, another incident unfolded. A man driving a bright-yellow Dodge pickup truck allegedly maneuvered around the barricades and continued through the closed portion of the roadway.
Officials said the driver passed three marked sheriff’s vehicles before being stopped. When questioned, he reportedly told deputies he was attempting to get to work.
The man was issued traffic citations for disregarding an official traffic control device, passing in a no-passing zone and operating a vehicle with expired license plates.
The fatal crash remains under investigation. Authorities continue to remind motorists to respect road closures, especially during active emergency response situations, as ignoring barricades can create additional hazards for first responders and the public.
