Driver accused of drunkenly crashing into boulder with child in vehicle

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – A man was arrested after he allegedly crashed into a boulder while driving intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Terrence M. Collins was arrested on the charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, carrying a handgun without a license, and leaving the scene of an accident.

On Saturday, officers with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department were called to the 12400 block of Jefferson Road for a crash.

At the scene, a witness told officers that a man, later identified as Collins, was driving a blue SUV when he struck a boulder in the witness’s yard and then left the scene, reports said.

Another witness drove up and told officers that the blue SUV was in a yard down the road.

Officers went to the area and saw a blue SUV drive and reverse multiple times. The SUV had front-end damage consistent with the crash into the boulder, according to reports.

When officers spoke with Collins, they saw a child in the backseat.

Collins’ eyes were slow and dilated, his speech was slurred, and he had unsteady balance, reports said.

Officers also noticed Collins had a handgun in his pockets. Collins doesn’t have a license to carry, according to reports.

Collins fell asleep on scene and allegedly told officers he had been drinking alcohol.

In addition, officers reported Collins showing abusive behavior.

Because of these factors, officers couldn’t safely do a field sobriety test.

Instead, they received a warrant for Collins’ blood. The results are pending.

Collins was released from the St. Joseph County Jail on Monday.