1 killed, driver arrested for OWI in Newton County crash

NEWTON CO., Ind. (WISH) — A person is dead following a crash in Newton County Friday evening involving a semitruck and an SUV.

Indiana State Police say at approximately 6:51 p.m. officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound I-65 at the 232.8 mile marker. That’s 2.8 miles north of Exit 230, State Road 10.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the semitruck was parked on the outside shoulder of I-65 for an unknown reason when 39-year-old Garret Markovich crashed his GMC Sierra into the rear driver’s side of the trailer.

The driver of the GMC was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries and to have blood drawn. Officers say they think Markovich of Cedar Lake, Indiana, was intoxicated when he crashed into the semi.

The passenger of the GMC was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the semi was not injured.

Police say Markovich was booked into Newton County Jail on the following charges:

• OWI causing death.
• OWI.
• Reckless homicide.
• Criminal recklessness resulting in death.
• OWI endangerment.
• Reckless driving.

News 8 reached out for a booking photo but did not receive an immediate response.