On November 1, a serious traffic incident occurred at the intersection of Ind. 15 and C.R. 112 involving a semi truck and a Chevrolet Silverado. The collision took place at 1:22 PM on a Friday when 60-year-old Jimmy F. Bryant from Goshen was driving northbound on Ind. 15. While navigating a curve, Bryant’s truck veered left of center and crashed into the rear of a southbound 2022 Freightliner semi truck driven by 58-year-old Luis Diaz Barajas, also of Goshen. The impact resulted in Bryant sustaining injuries, which included pain in his head, neck, and left leg. Following the crash, he was promptly transported to Elkhart General Hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, Barajas did not suffer any injuries from the incident.
Multiple arrests were reported in the Elkhart County area, highlighting ongoing issues with impaired driving and drug possession. On Wednesday evening, Elkhart County deputies made a notable arrest at 11:41 PM, apprehending a 26-year-old man for possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The stop was initiated due to the man using a cell phone while driving along U.S. 20 east of U.S. 33. The following evening, another driver, a 34-year-old man, was arrested at 9:15 PM for similar charges of operating while intoxicated, coupled with possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia, identified during a stop at Prairie Street and Waterfall Drive in Elkhart for registration infractions.
In a heartbreaking development, the Goshen Fire Department and police were summoned to respond to an emergency concerning a 3-month-old child reported unconscious and not breathing at 9:16 AM Thursday. Despite resuscitation efforts, the infant was pronounced dead, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Child Services alerted the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office about a child in need of services on the same day, underscoring the serious concerns for child welfare in the community.
Goshen police dealt with an array of local incidents, including a hit-and-run accident reported on Thursday morning. Authorities were called to the scene at Elkhart Road and Peddler’s Village Road at 10:26 AM, where one driver fled without providing identification or exchanging information. Later on, a 23-year-old local resident, Mackynzie Graber, reported a hit-and-run incident at Dollar Tree located on Lincolnway East in the afternoon. Several other incidents of vandalism and criminal mischief were reported, highlighting a growing concern for public safety in local businesses and residences.
The issue of theft was also prevalent in the Goshen area, with several reports filed with local authorities. A dental group reported theft and check fraud dating back to November 8, 2022; additionally, a 47-year-old man claimed that someone he was acquainted with stole his vehicle. Authorities also received reports of stolen hubcaps from vehicles parked in a storage yard, as well as a flatbed trailer reported missing by a local man. In another incident, a 38-year-old resident stated that his temporary license plate was stolen from his vehicle, demonstrating a troubling trend of theft throughout the region.
Lastly, an employee from Legacy Fence and Decks filed a report of fraud to the Goshen police, indicating that the crime occurred between October 16 and October 17. Concerns of property and personal safety were further heightened by reports of an abandoned bicycle left in front of a resident’s home, highlighting ongoing issues that impact community members daily. These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in addressing crime and safety protocols within Elkhart County, as residents and law enforcement strive to mitigate these challenges.