Suspect arrested for OWI after hit-and-run with parked cars

Elkhart County Jail: Fernando Galvan

ELKHART, Ind. -- A 29-year-old man is in jail after allegedly hitting a parked car and fleeing while drunk driving on the morning of June 7.

The suspect, Fernando Galvan, is charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, a Level 6 Felony, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, a Misdemeanor.

His initial hearing is June 19

The Elkhart Police Department reports an officer responded to the 700 block of W. Marion Street around 3:24 a.m. regarding a hit and run crash.

Authorities arrived and spoke with a witness who said he was inside when he heard a crash. He looked outside and saw a white pickup truck with a bedcap leave the scene at a high speed.

The truck had struck a parked 2006 white Buick Lacrosse. The vehicle suffered rear bumper damage, taillight damage, broken driver's side mirror, and door damage.

Police also found a white plastic fender piece from the suspect vehicle on the ground near the Buick.

A Jeep Liberty parked behind the Buick was also sideswiped by the truck, with white paint transfer observed on the driver's side.

At around 3:31 a.m. near 3rd Street and Franklin Street another officer had pulled over a white 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with a white cap on the bed, as well as front passenger side fender piece missing. This was less than half a mile from the original scene.

The report states the officer made the stop after witnessing the suspect vehicle swerving all over the road.

The driver was identified as Galvan. Galvan appeared to be intoxicated, and police say alcoholic drinks were inside the truck.

Galvan then failed field sobriety tests before completing a breath test, which showed his BAC to be .188.

The Silverado also had damage to the passenger side fender and the passenger side mirror.

Galvan told police he had an alcoholic drink and had been dancing at The Arena.

Police say Galvan appeared to have red and watery eyes and slurred speech.

Galvan was taken to the Elkhart County Jail and his truck was impounded.

Galvan was found to have a previous conviction for Operating While Intoxicated Endangerment from Aug. 1, 2023.

First Warning Neighborhood Weather

Close