Intoxicated passenger blamed for causing crash

An intoxicated passenger is being blamed for causing the Memorial Day crash of an SUV that was carrying an infant.

Timothy Huttemeyer, 29, of Williamsburg, is charged with alcohol intoxication and two counts of wanton endangerment in connection with the May 30 incident.

About 7:30 p.m., Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonas Saunders responded to a wreck along US25W South near Highway 1804 and discovered a 2003 Ford Explorer that was resting on its top.

“It is believed that the SUV flipped at least two times,” according to a sheriff’s department release.

The vehicle had been occupied by a female driver, a male front passenger and an eight-month-old, who was secured in a car seat in the rear passenger area, according to the release.

Authorities believe that all of the occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash. The driver showed no signs of intoxication.

During the investigation, Saunders noticed the smell of alcoholic beverage on Huttemeyer.

“Huttemeyer admitted to having consumed alcoholic beverages earlier in the day. He also acknowledged grabbing the vehicle’s steering wheel prior to the wreck,” the release noted.

Whitley County EMS transported the eight-month-old and her mother to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Huttemeyer was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $5,000 cash bond, according to the detention center’s website.

Huttemeyer is scheduled to be arraigned on June 6.

Saunders is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Deputy James Fox and members of the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department.