On Saturday, a serious vehicle accident occurred in a residential neighborhood near East 56th Street and Sunnyside Road in Lawrence, Indiana, resulting in property damage and an arrest. David Hodges, a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, was operating a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll and crash into the northwest corner of a home. According to witness statements, Hodges was reversing at "extremely high speed" before losing control. While the homeowner was not present during the incident, two children were inside the residence at the time of the crash. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where they administered a field sobriety test to Hodges, which revealed a blood alcohol content of .122, well above the legal limit of .08. Hodges was subsequently arrested and booked at the Marion County Jail on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment and reckless driving causing property damage. His girlfriend, who was a passenger in the vehicle, underwent a medical examination before being released from the scene. Following the incident, the Marion County Sheriff's Office terminated Hodges' employment.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of East 56th Street and Sunnyside Road in Lawrence, Indiana. This area is situated in the northeastern part of Marion County, within the city limits of Lawrence, which borders Indianapolis. East 56th Street serves as a significant east-west thoroughfare in this region, connecting residential areas with commercial districts and providing access to nearby Fort Harrison State Park. The neighborhood primarily consists of single-family homes with driveways connecting directly to local streets. This particular intersection is controlled by traffic signs rather than signals, requiring drivers to maintain vigilance and appropriate speeds when navigating the area. The residential nature of this location means that children are often present, highlighting the serious potential dangers posed by reckless or impaired driving in such environments.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Indiana, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) is governed by IC 9-30-5, which establishes significant penalties for drivers with blood alcohol concentrations above the legal limit of 0.08%. When property damage or endangerment occurs, as in this case, the charges can escalate from Class C misdemeanors to more serious offenses. Victims of such accidents may have various legal remedies available, including claims against the driver's insurance policy for property damage, structural repairs, and temporary housing if needed. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be adjusted based on each party's degree of responsibility in an accident. It's important to note that Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims and property damage arising from motor vehicle accidents. Homeowners affected by vehicle crashes should document all damages thoroughly and contact their insurance provider promptly, as they may be entitled to compensation beyond their policy limits through the at-fault driver's liability coverage.

Related Resources

• Lawrence Police Department: (317) 545-7575
• Marion County Sheriff's Office: (317) 327-1700
• Marion County Prosecutor's Office: (317) 327-3522
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: (888) 692-6841
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana: (317) 781-6233
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute: Traffic Safety Division
• Lawrence Victims Assistance Program
• Indiana Department of Insurance: Consumer Services Division
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/titles/009
• Indiana Department of Transportation: Road Safety Resources