Serious crash leaves one dead on South Bend's northwest side

UPDATE: A suspect has been charged in connection with the fatal crash on South Bend’s northwest side. 

On Thursday, July 16, around 10:45 p.m., South Bend Police responded to a serious crash between a Chevy Malibu and a Toyota Camry at Portage and Vassar Avenues. 

Upon arrival, officers were directed to the passenger of the Malibu, 33-year-old Daeonna Crumbley, who had severe injuries. She was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.

St. Joseph County FACT was then requested to take over the investigation.

Four occupants in the Camry, including two small children, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Officers then spoke with the registered owner of the Malibu, 35-year-old Tarikka Miller. Officers noted Miller had slurred speech and an odor of alcohol. Officers also observed Miller stumbled as she walked. Miller stated that Crumbley was her cousin and said that Crumbley was driving the vehicle.

Witnesses stated that prior to the crash, the Malibu was traveling northbound and crossed a double-yellow line into the southbound lane. Witnesses stated there were two occupants in the Malibu and that Crumbley was in the front passenger seat. 

Miller was ultimately detained, evaluated and arrested in connection with the crash. 

On Friday, July 17, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office filed the following charges against Miller:

• Causing Death When Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Level 4 Felony)
• Causing Serious Bodily Injury When Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Level 5 Felony)
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person (Class A Misdemeanor) 

Miller is being held at the St. Joseph County Jail. This crash remains under investigation by St. Joseph County FACT.

UPDATE: The St. Joseph County FACT is continuing to investigate a crash that has resulted in the death of a passenger on South Bend's northwest side.

On Thursday, July 16, around 10:45 p.m. SBPD responded to the area of Portage Avenue and Vassar Avenue on the report of a two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Officers found that a Chevy Malibu and a Toyota Camry were involved in a serious collision.

Officers and medics immediately began rendering aid to a female passenger in the Malibu, unfortunately she had serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Four occupants of the Camry, including two young children, suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital.

Due to the severity of this crash, the St. Joseph County FACT was requested to take over the investigation. Through their initial investigation, the driver of the Malibu was evaluated, detained, and ultimately arrested in connection with the crash. 

The names of the deceased victim, as well as the suspect, will be shared in the next update, along with additional case details.

This crash remains under investigation by the St. Joseph County FACT, ABC57 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY: ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- St. Joseph County FACT (Fatal Accident Crash Team) has been activated to investigate a serious injury crash at Portage and Vassar Avenues in South Bend.

The crash happened around 10:45 p.m. and involved two vehicles. The area will be blocked off for the next few hours as FACT investigators continue processing the scene.

ABC57 will update this story as more information becomes available.