Toll Road Crash Results in OWI & No Travel Order Charges

On Friday at approximately 3:00 p.m., a two vehicle crash involving a white 2010 Ford Taurus and a red 2010 Ford truck occurred on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) at the Lake Station Toll Plaza. An off-duty firefighter witnessed the crash and stopped to check for injuries. The firefighter called 911 and stated one of the drivers was attempting to leave the scene of the crash. As the vehicle fled the scene, the caller followed the vehicle from the Indiana Toll Road to I-80/94 where it continued westbound. Trooper Logan Hensley was able to locate the vehicle at approximately the 13.8 mile-marker and observed the vehicle weaving between the middle and far right lane. Tpr. Hensley also determined that this was the same vehicle involved in the Toll Road crash as it had substantial front end damage. Trp. Hensley activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued for approximately a half mile prior to coming to an abrupt stop on the right shoulder. Trp. Hensley and the off duty firefighter were able to place the subject into custody without incident. A K9 was called to the scene and a positive alert was made by the K9 to the presence of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search was conducted and a magnetic key hider was located that had six small bags inside that was suspected to be heroin. The driver, Shannon L. Taylor, 47, from Chicago, IL, also admitted to using a controlled substance approximately an hour and a half prior to the incident. Taylor refused medical treatment at the scene and was transported to a local hospital where she consented to a blood draw. Taylor was then transported to the Lake County Jail where she is facing the following charges: Possession of Heroin Prior Conviction- Level 5 Felony; Leaving the Scene of a Crash While Intoxicated- Class A Misd.; Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a person (controlled substance)- Class A Misd.; Operating While Intoxicated (controlled substance)- Class C Misd.; Violation of No Travel Order- Class B Misd.