Driver Arrested After 2-Month-Old Seriously Injured In Crash
Posted
Staff Report-
NAPPANEE – A South Bend woman was arrested Tuesday after a two-vehicle crash which injured a baby. At 11:59 a.m., the Elkhart County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team began an investigation into a crash that occurred at the intersection of Market and Elm streets in Nappanee, according to a press release from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department. After crashing into another vehicle and seriously injuring 2-month-old Cora Rouch, of Nappanee, 39-year-old Wanda Mae Schlemmer, South Bend, was arrested and incarcerated at the Elkhart County Correctional facility for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. Schlemmer was operating a 1999 Jeep SUV headed westbound on Market Street when she had an apparent seizure, causing her vehicle to accelerate into the intersection of Market and Elm streets. Schlemmer's vehicle struck the rear passenger side of the vehicle driven by 34-year-old Trisha Rouch, Nappanee, after entering into the intersection. The collision caused serious bodily injuries to her child, Cora Rouch. After the initial collision, Schlemmer's vehicle continued and came to rest after striking a Key Bank teller window and two parked vehicles. Investigators confirm Cora Rouch, who sustained head injuries from the crash, was properly restrained in a child seat at the time of impact, the press release states. She was transported to the Elkhart General Hospital for her injuries and was later flown to Riley's Children Hospital. Wanda Mae Schlemmer incurred a sprained ankle and soreness throughout her body, and her three passengers were uninjured. Schlemmer was given a preliminary drug test in which she tested positive for cocaine as well as marijuana. Upon further investigation, Schlemmer's vehicle was found to contain marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. This investigation is ongoing.
