Man critically injured in Ivy Tech parking lot crash

DISCUSS

Fort Wayne Police suspect a medical condition played a role in a one-vehicle accident that left a man in critical condition late Thursday morning.

Police were called at 11:40 a.m. to Ivy Tech's parking lot, 4900 St. Joe Road, after the man's 1997 Cadillac struck a light pole, according to FWPD spokeswoman Raquel Foster.

The driver was identified as Jose D. Baca, 21, of Akron, Ind.

First responders rendered aid and transported Baca to a local hospital in serious condition. A hospital physician downgraded his condition to critical, according to Foster.

Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was going southbound on St. Joe Road and was preparing to turn westbound into the nearby Canterbury apartment complex. According to witnesses, the vehicle accelerated and drove off the road and struck several trees and a large rock. The vehicle then came back onto St. Joe Road eastbound, crossing all lanes of traffic, and over the street median, and continued at a high rate of speed directly into the Ivy Tech parking lot, where it struck the light pole and stopped.

Baca was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was reportedly wearing his seat belt. No other injuries were reported at the scene and no other vehicles struck.

At this time, investigators believe a medical condition might have contributed to the accident. The incident remains under investigation by the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority assisted in the incident.