Driver in car-pedestrian fatality had drugs in system
by Lori Caldwell lcaldwell@post-trib.com | 648-3259 January 10, 2013 12:08PM
Jesus Barajas of Pangere Corporation chips away at tile flooring by a plumbing trench as renovations are underway to transform the former Osco drug store to a Community HealthNet site at the corner of 61st Avenue and Broadway in Merrillville, Ind. Thursday January 10, 2013. With nine exam rooms, the center will provide primary care services, as well as, pediatric, obstetrics and more. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 12, 2013 2:34PM
GARY — A Gary man died late Wednesday night when he was struck by a car as he crossed 4th Avenue near the Adam Benjamin Metro Center.
Will T. Watson, 36, who lived in the 600 block of Maryland Street, was pronounced dead at The Methodist Hospitals Northlake campus shortly before midnight.
The driver, Lucius Mayes Jr., 22, of Portage, is the son of veteran Gary Patrolman Lucius Mayes. Police arrested the driver after a blood test showed traces of marijuana and cocaine in his system.
Watson died from blunt force trauma, a spokesman for the Lake County coroner said Thursday.
Although police dispatched to the scene were told the driver had fled, when Patrolman Nicolas Deem arrived, the driver was there.
Police learned Watson was walking north across 4th Avenue at Broadway when he was struck.
The crash is being investigated by Cpl. Agnes Roberts. Anyone with information can contact her at 881-1217.
