COLUMBIA CITY – Charges have been filed against a Warsaw man accused of causing an accident that killed a 17-year-old boy in Larwill Easter morning. Chaise Belcher, 25, of 821 E. Smith St., Apt. B, Warsaw, faces five felony charges, including driving while intoxicated causing a death and a misdemeanor charge of driving while suspended. The Whitley County Prosecutor's Office issued a warrant for Belcher’s arrest. As of this morning, he has not been picked up. Police say Belcher was drunk and driving his truck west on U.S. 30 after 1 a.m. April 16 near the intersection of Ind. 5 when he ran a red light and collided with a car driven by Phillip Caudill, 16, Warsaw. Belcher’s blood alcohol content was .22, according to Whitley County Prosecutor D.J. Sigler. Belcher has a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated in Kosciusko County in May 2016. Jack Burchett, 17, was a passenger in Caudill’s car and died in the accident. Another passenger, Jacob Burchett, 18, also was hurt in the crash. Jacob and Caudill were taken to Parkview Hospital. As of this morning, Caudill and Jacob were not listed in Parkview’s directory. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with Caudill’s medical expenses. More than $1,300 has been raised so far.
