UPDATE: Illinois man arrested in connection with crash involving two New Prairie baseball team

UPDATE: The La Porte County Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested old Shawn Wesly Russell Akison, of Romeoville, Ill., in connection with Thursday afternoon's crash at U.S. 20 and Fail Road which left several injured.

Authorities' initial investigation determined the St. Jospeh County Police Department had received a report of a box truck traveling west on S.R. 2 in a reckless manner.

A deputy with SJCPD then found the box truck near S.R. 2 and Timothy Road.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the truck failed to stop, before continuing west on S.R. 2.

The report states at S.R. 2 and C.R. 900 East, the deputy ended the pursuit.

At 3:13 p.m., a deputy responded to the area of S.R. 2 and U.S. 20 regarding the reckless driving box truck.

At 3:16 p.m., deputies responded to U.S. 20 and Fail Road for a multi-vehicle crash.

The first deputy on scene confirmed the box truck was involved in the crash, along with a commercial motor vehicle, and two ‘mini-buses’ belonging to the New Prairie United School Corporation.

Akison was identified as the driver of the truck and was traveling west on U.S. 20 approaching the Fail Road intersection.

The injured included two coaches, and seven student athletes. Some received treatment on scene while others were taken to an area hospital. One student-athlete was airlifted to an area hospital.

Akison was taken into custody at the scene and taken to an area hospital for treatment.

After being medically cleared, he was taken to the La Porte County Jail.

Akison was arrested for Criminal Recklessness, a Level 5 Felony.

He remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $15,005.00 cash-only bond through Superior Court I.

Toxicology test results are pending. The crash investigation is ongoing.

No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with dash camera footage or who witnessed the box truck being operated on S.R. 2 or U.S. 20 are encouraged to email Chief of Detectives – Captain Andy Hynek at [email protected].

On Friday afternoon, Elkhart Community School shared a social media post of support for New Prairie. 

"All of the Elkhart Community Schools family sends our support and care to the New Prairie United School Corporation today. We wish them healing in this unimaginably difficult time and are keeping all those affected in our thoughts."

Akison has an initial hearing set for May 16

ORIGINAL:LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- New Prairie High School Baseball has released a statement after the U.S. 20 and Fail Rd. multi-vehicle crash involving two New Prairie United School Corporation "mini-buses" transporting the high school's baseball team that happened on Thursday, May 8. 

"Our players, coaches, and families went through a lot yesterday. We ask that you continue to hold our team in positive hope and healing...we need it. While there were many injuries, Lucas Bradshaw has the longest road to healing in front of him. His entire family is extremely special to us for all they have given of themselves to the community and the sport. Please surround them with the love they deserve. We are so grateful for the help of the first responders, ER staff, bystanders, and many others," stated by New Prairie High School Baseball on their Facebook page.