Docs: Merrillville man charged with leaving scene of crash that killed newborn

INDIANAPOLIS - A Merrillville man was arrested after he reportedly fled the scene of a crash that caused the death of a newborn following an emergency C-section last month.




According to court documents recently filed in Marion County, 28-year-old Oshe Watkins was charged with:

• One count of failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony





• One count of failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 4 felony





• One count of failure to remain at the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, a Level 6 felony

According to court documents, troopers with the Indiana State Police investigated a crash that occurred on I-65 in Indianapolis in the early morning hours of Aug. 3. The crash involved a Jeep SUV and a Chevrolet SUV.








The Jeep was reportedly stopped in the middle of the interstate when the Chevrolet struck the Jeep. The documents alleged that the driver of the Jeep, later identified as Watkins, fled from the vehicle after the collision.




The driver of the Chevrolet was pregnant at the time of the crash. The Chevrolet driver was taken to a local hospital, where an emergency C-section was performed. The newborn was pronounced dead two days later.




Detectives tracked the owner of the Jeep to a home in Merrillville. The registered owner said a family member, later identified as Watkins, was the "actual owner" of the Jeep and was "likely operating the vehicle at the time of the crash," the documents said.




The documents said Watkins was arrested on separate charges when he returned to the Merrillville home. After he was transported to the Lake County Jail, detectives spoke with Watkins regarding the crash.








During the interview, the court documents state that Watkins initially denied being involved. Watkins said he ran out of gas, was picked up to get gas and stated the car was gone when he returned.




Later in the interview, Watkins reportedly admitted to driving the Jeep at the time of the crash, stating he was rear-ended and left the scene on foot. The documents said that Watkins did not provide information on why he left the scene after the crash.




Court documents state that Watkins will be on a no-bond hold until his initial hearing in this case. The date for the initial hearing has not been determined as of this story's publication.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/docs-merrillville-man-charged-with-leaving-scene-of-crash-that-killed-newborn/