18-year-old charged in crash that nearly severed motorcyclist's leg

Elkhart County Jail

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- An 18-year-old in Elkhart County faces charges for allegedly driving under the influence and causing a crash that nearly severed a motorcyclist's leg.

Investigators say Logan Conklin crashed his pickup truck into Donald Shoemake's motorcycle. Shoemake had a nearly severed leg around the calf, with both bones exposed and broken. Investigators say he also suffered a broken left arm. 

Conklin told police that he attempted to pass two vehicles by going off the roadway into the grass. He then said he lost control of his truck. Tire marks at the scene indicate his truck lost control upon trying to drive back onto the road. Investigators say his truck crossed both lanes and went sideways, causing Shoemake to drive directly into the driver side.

Police say Conklin admitted to using a marijuana vape pen twice during the school day at Westview Jr-Sr High School, including roughly a half hour before the crash. Blood tests later confirmed the drug was in his system.

Conklin is charged with Causing Catastrophic Injury When Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Level 4 Felony. He's due in court June 2 for his initial hearing.

First Warning Neighborhood Weather

Close