Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A Syracuse man has pled guilty to driving while under the influence, resulting in a motorcycle accident that led to the death of a Mentone woman.
Dustin Jacob Cloud, 37, of 6877 E. CR 950N, Syracuse, pled guilty to causing death when operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to 0.08 or more, a level 4 felony; and a habitual vehicular substance offender enhancement.
Sentencing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Nov. 23.
At a change of plea hearing on Monday, Aug. 24, Kosciusko Superior Court III Judge Chad Miner said Cloud could receive up to a 12-year sentence on the Level 4 felony, with the executed portion capped at seven years. For the enhancement, Cloud could receive up to an eight-year sentence, with the executed portion capped at five years.
The offender enhancement is connected to two prior operating a vehicle while intoxicated convictions that Cloud has.
Affidavit Of Probable Cause
On July 20, 2025, Warsaw Police officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle motorcycle accident at 3197 N. Detroit St. Upon arrival, officers found Heather Hildabridle, 33, Mentone, unconscious at the scene. Hildabridle died July 21, 2025, from the injuries she suffered in the accident.
According to court documents, Cloud, the motorcycle's driver, had road rash all over his entire body, but was alert and conscious. While speaking with Cloud, officers noticed he smelled of alcohol. Emergency medical services flew Cloud to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for a broken left fibula and broken left foot.
In an interview with police, Cloud said he left Lucky's Tavern in North Webster to drive to Warsaw. While driving south on Ind. 15, he lost control of his motorcycle after driving in loose gravel. Cloud said he drank two alcoholic beverages.
Law enforcement resources determined Cloud drove south on Ind. 15 and into oncoming traffic.
A man said he saw Cloud drive the motorcycle without his hands on the handlebars, rode too close to the center line, and attempted to high-five oncoming traffic. He said he didn't notice any loose gravel at the intersection where Cloud wrecked.
A certified chemical test result from Aug. 15, 2025, showed Cloud tested 0.12% BAC.
