MICHIGAN CITY, IN (WSBT) — A motorcycle collision on Sunday night resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man, prompting charges against a suspected drunk driver.
Officials identified the victim as Matthew Castellanos of LaCrosse, who suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at Franciscan Health.
According to the Michigan City Police Department, Keith Starnes, 45, was charged with Level 5 felony reckless homicide and a Class A misdemeanor for operating while intoxicated.
Authorities stated the crash occurred on Franklin St., just north of Interstate 94, when Starnes turned left into the motorcycle’s path, resulting in the impact.
Reports indicate the motorcycle was traveling at normal speeds when it collided with the passenger side of Starnes’ mini-van. A portable breathalyzer test indicated Starnes was highly impaired, although he refused a certified blood alcohol test.
A judge subsequently issued a search warrant for a blood sample, which will be analyzed by the Indiana State Police laboratory. Additional charges may be filed based on the blood test results, which could take several weeks, according to La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.
The La Porte County Coroner confirmed that a blood sample from the victim will also be taken during an autopsy.
During his initial court appearance, Starnes was assigned a public defender, and a background check was ordered to determine his bail amount.