New developments at WIMS following a fatal accident on June 3 (See WIMS’s Facebook post from June 4):

On Monday, June 3rd, at 8:50 p.m., officers responded to the area of ​​State Road 2 and CR 150 East for a one-vehicle accident with injuries. Initial investigation on scene by Deputy Jared Buford and his deputies revealed the following had occurred.

A blue 2012 Honda motorcycle operated by Larry CUMMINGS (age 82) of Fort Myers, Florida was traveling eastbound on SR 2. A silver 2006 GMC SUV operated by Angel ALMARAZ (age 32) of La Porte was also traveling eastbound on SR 2 behind the motorcycle. The eastbound SUV struck the rear of the eastbound motorcycle.

CUMMINGS and his passenger, Cheryl SKIDMORE (age 73), also of Fort Myers, were ejected from the motorcycle. CUMMINGS and SKIDMORE sustained upper body injuries. SKIDMORE was flown from the scene to a regional hospital for treatment. CUMMINGS was transported by ground to an area hospital for treatment.

ALMARAZ did not sustain any injuries in the accident. Officers determined that ALMARAZ showed signs of impairment and arrested him at the scene.

Members of the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team and Criminal Investigation Department investigators were activated and assisted with the accident investigation. ALMARAZ was ultimately transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ).

Officials later learned that SKIDMORE had died as a result of the accident.
ALMARAZ was arrested for the following offenses:
 Driving under the influence of alcohol – Homicide, Serious Crime L4
 Driving under the influence of alcohol – Causes SBI, criminal record, L4 felony
 Never received a license – C offense

ALMARAZ remains lodged at the LCJ and is being held in La Porte County Circuit Court on $20,305 bail. Arrests and criminal charges are merely accusations. Each person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assisting: Captains Brian Piergalski and Andy Hynek, Sergeants L. Scott Boswell and Scott Lanoue, Detectives Jake Koch, Evan Doperalski and Justin Gorny, Deputies Austin Howell, Jacob Payne, Jet Balenia, Pablo Pesa, LaPorte County EMS, Kankakee Volunteer Fire Department, Lutheran Air, St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office and Cloverleaf Towing