Bloomington man jailed for fleeing deadly crash, initial suspect won’t be charged

Posted on September 15, 2017

 

Bloomington Police arrested Jakeb Collins, 22, for a hit-and-run crash that left one woman dead. (Photo courtesy Bloomington Police Department)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County prosecutors have filed a felony charge against a 22-year old Bloomington man for allegedly leaving the scene of a fatal crash in southeast Bloomington Wednesday, after police initially arrested the wrong man.

In court, prosecutors told the judge it was Jakeb Collins’ mother who left a voice mail for Bloomington Police after the crash at Morrissey Drive and Chrisman Lane received extensive media coverage.

The next day, authorities said Collins confessed he was the driver of a maroon minivan that collided with a white-colored sports utility vehicle.

A passenger in the SUV, Phyllis Graver, 79, of Carmel, Indiana, died from what the coroner said were cervical spine injuries. Prosecutors said the driver of the SUV was treated at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center for broken bones and an injured kidney.

According to the state’s attorney’s office, Collins’ mother said her son would have been driving in the area about the time of the crash. She reportedly saw him shortly afterward, and he appeared to be shaken up.

Authorities said the van appeared to have white paint transfer on the passenger side, consistent with the vehicle striking the SUV.

The state’s attorney’s office said Collins was driving with a license suspended for underage drinking.

A judge set bond for Collins at $300,000, meaning he must come up with $30,000 to be released from jail.

He faces up to 15-years in prison if convicted.

Meantime, State’s Attorney Jason Chambers said it was an “unusual set of circumstances” that initially led police to 54-year old Darin Scott of Bloomington.

Authorities said Collins and Scott were both driving similar red minivans in southeast Bloomington about the time of the fatal crash, and it was a coincidence that Bloomington Police received a tip that Scott was allegedly was driving in the area while under the influence of alcohol.

The State’s Attorney’s office said Scott is still being investigated for DUI, but was not involved in the fatal crash.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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