Paul Alvardo

Wrong-way driver hits 3 state trooper cars on I-65

Contributed By:The 411 News

Paul D. Alvarado, 39, from Highland, IN, is in the Lake County Jail facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges brought by Indiana State Police.

At approximately 10:20pm Tuesday, August 11 Indiana State Troopers were dispatched to a call of a wrong-way driver on I-65 traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, between the I-80/94 Junction and Ridge Rd.

When Troopers Davidson, Payonk, Grant and Joyner arrived, the vehicle, a 2011 Dodge Charger was backing up on the left shoulder. Alvarado's vehicle was scraping against the concrete barrier wall and his tires were deflated.

Alvarado refused to stop and continued to drive in reverse from the scene. He then put the car in drive and moved forward again traveling south in the northbound lanes, heading towards the Troopers' cars and traffic on I-65.

Troopers then turned their vehicles in an attempt to block the driver from hitting other vehicles head-on. During this time, Trooper Grant’s vehicle was struck by the black Charger.

Troopers continued in an attempt to block the driver from going towards traffic, but the Charger turned around, avoiding the police cars and started going north in the northbound lanes.

Troopers followed the Charger again and the driver attempted to turn around once more to go the wrong way on the interstate. Troopers then successfully "boxed the Charger in" to prevent the vehicle from going into oncoming traffic.

Trooper Payonk, Davidson and Grant’s police cars were then involved in a second collision with Alvardo's vehicle.

There were no injuries to either the suspect or Troopers.

As Alvarado was being arrested, a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun was located on the driver's seat. He had been sitting on it as he was driving.

Alvarado was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for medical clearance as well as for a chemical test for intoxication. He tested more than three times the legal limit for alcohol.

Preliminary charges against Alvarado are resisting arrest, possession of a handgun without a license, operating while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, reckless driving, and wrong-way driving.

Story Posted:08/12/2020