Elkhart County: Cyclist Sideswipes School Bus, Impairment Suspected

A bicyclist was transported to a local hospital Monday afternoon after colliding with a school bus in Elkhart County, Indiana, according to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a report of a two-vehicle incident on County Road 31 around 4:40 p.m. Preliminary investigations indicate that 31-year-old Richard Lambright was traveling south on County Road 31 when he crossed the centerline and struck the side of a school bus.

Lambright initially refused medical attention from emergency medical services at the scene, but was later taken to a hospital by a friend for treatment of a cut to his upper lip. Authorities reported that Lambright exhibited signs of impairment, and alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office has received preliminary charges of public intoxication and driving left of center against Lambright, pending review. No students were on the bus at the time of the incident, according to initial reports.

The incident occurred as much of the region was under a travel watch due to snow-covered roads, according to WSBT News.

Elsewhere in Elkhart County, firefighters were recently honored for their actions during a mass shooting on Garfield Avenue, WSBT reported. The recognition ceremony took place earlier this month.

In neighboring South Bend, Mayor James Mueller recently addressed concerns regarding the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area, while also discussing ongoing snow cleanup efforts, according to WSBT News.