Man charged after fatal crash

PERU, Ind. (WISH) - A Miami County man faces a reckless homicide charge after an accident that killed a Wabash County woman.

Indiana State Police said Emilio Santana, 26, Macy, was southbound in a Chevrolet Lumina on Miami County Road 600 West when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with Division Road. He hit an eastbound Jeep Cherokee driven by Cara McCollister, 35, Roann, who had no stop sign. The Jeep went off the road, hit a utility pole and snapped it in half, then went airborne and rolled, coming to rest on its top in a field.

McCollister and her 15-year-old son were trapped inside and had to be freed by emergency workers. Both were flown from the scene to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. The mother was pronounced dead at the hospital. The teen suffered internal injuries.

Santana faces preliminary charges of reckless homicide, a Class D felony. More charges may be pending, ISP said. He was unhurt. His wife, Laura Esquiel, 28, who was also in the car, was taken to Wabash County Hospital complaining of pain, but was later released.