Alcohol and Speed Cause Serious Crash

LAKE COUNTY, IN - Alcohol and a high rate of speed caused a serious crash on I-80, yesterday evening, which tied up traffic for over three hours.

Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Campione, at approximately 8:50pm, Tuesday evening, responded to a two vehicle crash that closed the three right lanes of I-80 west bound at the 5.8 mile marker (this is east of Cline Avenue).  Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Mazda 6 was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit the rear of a 2005 International semi-flat bed in the center lane.

The impact caused part of the Mazda to lodge under the International's trailer.  Three of the occupants of the Mazda had to be extricated out of the vehicle by Gary/Hammond Fire Department.

Clifford Dillon, 47 of Canton, Ohio, the driver of the International semi was not injured.  The semi had approximately $10,000 in damage.  It was loaded with dressed lumber that remained secured.

John Garbacz, 19 of Burbank, Illinois, the driver of the Mazda 6 (which was totaled) was taken to North Lake Methodist Hospital in Gary for head, leg, and arm injuries.  He did test over the legal limit for alcohol and will be charged for Operating While Intoxicated and Minor Consumption.

Tomasz Gorczak, 19 of Homer Glen, Illinois, was a front seat passenger, he left the scene before Trooper Campione arrived and later called the Indiana State Police with information.  He stated he was not injured.

Christopher Witas, 22 of Burbank, Illinois, was a rear passenger behind the driver, was taken to North Lake Methodist with head injuries.  He also tested positive for alcohol and will be charged with Public Intoxication (P.I.).

Luke Cyvuski, 17 of Burbank, Illinois, was a rear middle passenger, was taken to Munster Community Hospital with head, chest, and arm injuries.  He also tested positive for alcohol and will be charged with P.I.