Starke County, IN (June 18, 2026) – Three people were injured, including one woman who suffered critical injuries, following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 E and 200 N in Starke County on Tuesday evening, June 16.
According to the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the collision at approximately 6:41 p.m. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found a black GMC pickup truck towing a trailer resting against a tree with significant damage. A Toyota passenger vehicle was discovered in the yard of a nearby residence with extensive front-end and rear-end damage.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 31-year-old woman from North Judson was driving the GMC southbound on 700 E when she allegedly failed to stop at the intersection of 200 N and entered the path of a Toyota driven by a 36-year-old man from Grovertown.
The driver of the GMC sustained injuries and was airlifted to a South Bend-area hospital for treatment. The Toyota driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Starke County EMS to Northwest Health Starke Emergency Department.
A 22-year-old female passenger in the Toyota sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a South Bend-area hospital for emergency medical care.
Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the collision. The crash remains under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.
We are keeping the injured victims in our thoughts and wish them a full recovery.
Why Are Intersection Crashes Related to Failure to Stop Result in Serious Injuries?
Collisions that occur when a vehicle fails to stop at an intersection happen with little warning, leaving other motorists with limited time to react. These crashes can generate significant impact forces, particularly when vehicles enter intersections at roadway speeds.
Investigators reviewing intersection collisions typically examine vehicle movements, traffic controls, witness statements, roadway evidence, and driver behavior. Physical evidence from the scene can help determine how the crash unfolded and whether any contributing factors were present.
In cases where impairment is suspected, authorities may conduct additional testing and review evidence to determine whether alcohol or other substances played a role. Understanding the circumstances surrounding these crashes helps investigators establish a clear sequence of events and identify contributing causes.
