HAMMOND, Lake County, Ind., Nov. 1, 2026 — A state trooper and a police intern suffered minor injuries late Thursday night, October 29, when a driver authorities say was drunk struck their parked patrol vehicle on Interstate 80 in Hammond, Indiana State Police said.
The crash happened around 11:15 p.m. near Indianapolis Boulevard and I-80/94, according to state police. The trooper's fully marked vehicle was parked on the shoulder when it was hit "at a high rate of speed" by a black Infiniti SUV, investigators said. Troopers who responded found the SUV disabled and blocking multiple lanes of the interstate.
The patrol vehicle sustained heavy rear-end damage and damage to the driver's side, state police said. Photos released by the agency show the Infiniti with serious driver's-side damage and a missing front wheel. Both the trooper and the intern were hurt but their injuries were described as minor.
Troopers identified the driver as 34-year-old Christopher Idom of Blue Island, Illinois. State police said he showed signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Idom reportedly refused field sobriety testing, and troopers obtained a warrant for a blood draw, according to the agency.
Idom was booked into the Lake County jail on preliminary charges including operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating while intoxicated as a first offense, and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. He was also cited for unsafe lane movement and operating without financial responsibility, state police said.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Intersection Crashes in Indiana
This crash happened at Indianapolis Boulevard and I-80 in Hammond, IN. Our Indiana intersections page covers intersection crashes across Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck or large vehicle?
Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos and get the names of any responding agencies and officers.
Why do large trucks need so much distance to stop?
Trucks carry far more weight than passenger cars, and their braking systems take longer to bring that weight to a stop. Wet roads, heavy loads, or sudden obstacles can extend stopping distance considerably.
What makes crashes involving commercial or emergency vehicles especially dangerous?
Size and weight differences mean occupants of smaller vehicles typically absorb more force in a collision. Crashes involving parked emergency vehicles on highway shoulders also carry added risk from high-speed traffic nearby.
What are a truck's blind spots and why do they matter?
Large vehicles have blind spots along both sides, behind the trailer, and directly in front of the cab. Drivers should avoid lingering in these areas, since the truck operator may not see them at all.
