(La Porte, IN) - Police say a La Porte man was driving impaired when he caused a collision with an ambulance containing a patient.

 

Jack Parker, 64, is charged with Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

 

According to La Porte Police, the investigation shows the ambulance on September 30 had its lights and siren activated while transporting an 80 year man experiencing trouble breathing to Northwest Health.

 

Police said the ambulance was turning from Lincolnway onto Tyler St. when Parker pulled into the path of the rig, which broadsided his 2021 Toyota Corolla. 

 

Parker told investigators he was heading home from Walmart after consuming four beers, police said.  His alleged blood alcohol level was .115-percent.

 

Police said there were no injuries.

 

Parker was also cited for failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle.

 

During his initial court hearing on Friday, the judge took under advisement a request from his defense attorney that would allow Parker to drive with an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicle. 

 

Drivers must blow in such devices, which won’t allow engines to start if alcohol is detected in a defendant’s breath.