Motorcyclist faces OWI charge after being injured in crash

Emergency personnel tend to the motorcyclist involved in Saturday evening's accident in the eastbound lane at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Old 30, Warsaw. Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union.
By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW — A motorcycle driver will be charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated after being injured Saturday in a two-vehicle crash.

The motorcyclist, Brian W. Shoemaker, 45, Warsaw, suffered a potentially broken pelvis, a broken foot and road rash to his face, arms and legs, according to the Warsaw Police Department accident report.

Shoemaker was treated and taken by Lutheran ambulance to Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital due to his injuries suffered in the accident at 5:09 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Old 30, Warsaw.

The driver of the other vehicle – Hannah T. Hall, 16, Warsaw, – did not suffer any injuries.

According to the report, Hall, driving a white 2013 Lexus IS250, and traveling east on U.S. 30, and approaching the intersection of U.S. 30 and Old 30.

She told police that she had gotten into the left turn lane and was slowing to a stop due to a red light. Hall believed she had come to a complete stop. She said that while stopped, the front of Shoemaker’s red 2001 Yamaha VStar collided with the rear of her Lexus. The Lexus sustained damage to the rear bumper. Hall advised she was not injured in the accident.

A witness said she saw Shoemaker riding the motorcycle eastbound on U.S. 30, approaching the intersection of U.S. 30 and Old 30. The witness said she was in the lane next to Shoemaker and saw the motorcycle swerving in traffic and waiving his arms around.

The witness added that Shoemaker tried to wave toward her like he wanted to talk to her. The witness advised Shoemaker was looking at her and then collided into the rear of Hall’s Lexus.

The motorcycle sustained damage to the front end and the right side due to the collision.

Shoemaker told  police he had just left a bar and had too much to drink, according to the WPD report. Shoemaker also had an odor of alcohol coming from his person, the report states. Shoemaker did not give any further statement about the accident.

The accident report states Shoemaker is being charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Damage was estimated at $5,000 to $10,000.