NAPPANEE - A Mishawaka man who allegedly was driving while intoxicated crashed into a Nappanee police car early this morning.
Gavin Thomas Byall, 20, of Mishawaka, was arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail at 4:02 a.m. today for driving while intoxicated and criminal recklessness. His bond was set at $550.
Nappanee Officer Bradley A. Balasa was on patrol around 12:50 a.m. today, just past the Elkhart-Kosciusko County line on Ind. 19. Balasa was southbound when he noticed a vehicle approaching from behind at a high rate of speed.
Balasa was turning onto Haney Drive from Ind. 19 when Byall reportedly hit the rear of the marked squad car.
Balasa's car was pushed 200 feet off the roadway before coming to rest. Balasa suffered minor injuries and was taken to an Elkhart County hospital where he was treated and released.
Byall allegedly refused treatment at the scene and admitted to smoking marijuana before the crash.
