Hammond- On Thursday, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers responded to a two-semi crash on I-80 eastbound at the 3.7 mile-marker. This location is near Indianapolis Blvd. The investigation showed that a semi, driven by Jean C. Muniz-Rios, 37, of Saint Cloud, FL, made an unsafe lane change and while doing so, rear-ended another semi.
During the course of the crash investigation, Trooper Baker had reason to believe that Mr. Muniz-Rios had consumed alcoholic beverages prior to the crash and subsequently initiated an O.W.I. investigation. Mr. Muniz-Rios refused a chemical test for intoxication, so a search warrant for a blood draw was applied for and granted by a Lake County Judge. That warrant was completed at a local hospital. Once completed, the suspect was transported to the Lake County Jail. Muniz-Rios is preliminarily charged with Operating While Intoxicated Endangering- Class A Misdemeanor and Operating While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor.
The eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for approximately two hours for scene cleanup. All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.