News release from: Indiana State Police
Lake County-A
woman who was out celebrating her birthday did not end in the way she would
have liked, early this Saturday morning, when she ran into the rear of a semi,
had to be extricated, was taken to the hospital with injuries and traffic
charges are now against her.
Preliminary investigation revealed that, at approximately
2:40 a.m., Trooper Brian Rubesha responded to a crash west bound on I-80 at the
11.5 mile marker (this is approximately 1 ½ miles west of Central Avenue). A 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by Natasha M. Garza, 34 of Hammond, was going west in the right
middle lane (four lanes of traffic) when the Cobalt hit the rear of a semi in
front of it.
Juan G. Palafox, 53
of Romeoville, Illinois, driving a 2010 Mack semi pulling a box trailer, was going west in the right middle
lane when it was hit in the rear by the Cobalt.
Palafox didn't know his semi had been hit at first and drove over a mile
with the Cobalt wedged partially underneath the box trailer before stopping on
the outer shoulder.
Garza had to be extricated by the Gary Fire Department. She was transported to NorthLake Methodist
Hospital with arm and
ankle injuries that are considered non-life threatening. Garza's birthday was Friday, October 26th
and her blood alcohol level tested over 2 ½ times (.21% BAC) over the legal
limit of .08%.
Garza is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Driving
While Suspended Prior and Following too Closely. Her Cobalt was a total loss.
Palafox, whose semi was owned by PAGG Trucking out of Chicago, was hauling
42,000 pounds of rice. There was no load
loss. He was cited for a logbook
violation and Load Securement. He was
not injured.
The right lane was blocked until approximately 4:00 a.m. for
extrication, and removal of the injured, towing of the vehicle and
investigation of the crash.
