Charges in a fatal Wabash County car crash

An arrest has been made in an April fatal crash that happened in Wabash County.

Following an investigation, Jonathan T. Patton, 19, of Laketon, was charged with Operating a Vehicle with a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance Causing Death.

A warrant was issued for Patton’s arrest on August 28. Patton subsequently turned himself in to the Wabash County Jail on August 31.

On the evening of April 29, 2026, shortly after 6:00 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office responded to an injury-involved crash on County Road 700 West, just south of County Road 850 North, resulting in the death of a Laketon resident.

The preliminary crash investigation by Master Trooper Jeremy Perez revealed that Patton was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Caprice southbound on County Road 700 West, south of County Road 850 North. The Chevrolet left the roadway and collided with a tree.

A juvenile passenger was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Wabash County Coroner’s Office. Patton was flown by air to an area hospital for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

At the time, Indiana State Police noted in the original press release that the consumption of intoxicants and excessive speed are suspected of contributing to this crash. 

Master Trooper Perez was assisted at the scene by members of the Indiana State Police Peru District, Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, Roann Volunteer Fire Department, Wabash County EMA, and the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.