03/04/11 On Friday, February 25th at approximately 2:25pm, Patrolman Deputy Les McFarland of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call in reference to a two vehicle accident in the area of US 6 and Beech Road.
Officer McFarland investigated the accident and determined that David J. Mast was driving a 2003 Chevy Van, westbound on US 6 attempting to make a left hand turn when a vehicle behind him decided to pass in a no passing zone and collided with the vehicle. After the collision he then collided with a NIPSCO pole and a Sprint telephone junction box.
Officer McFarland spoke with the driver of the other vehicle, 27 year old John M. Slattery of Nappanee. Slattery was driving a 1994 2-door Pontiac. After the collision the Pontiac hit another NIPSCO pole. Mr. Slattery told the deputy that he was in a hurry and started to pass when he observed the Chevy Van turning. When he realized the van was mating a left turn he was unable to avoid hitting it. Mr. Slattery did not realize at the time that he was passing in a no passing zone. Mr. Slattery allegedly did not have insurance on his vehicle. He also had four passengers in his vehicle at the time of the collision, which two of the passengers were young children. The children were transported to Bremen Hospital for examination.
Officer McFarland explained to Mr. Slattery and persons involved that a case report concerning the alleged criminal violations of passing in a no passing zone, no financial responsibility and reckless driving would be forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The Marshall County Police Department was assisted at the scene by Bremen Police and Bremen Fire and the Tri-County Ambulance.
