Staff Report

Cristian A. Andrade-Palacios

WAKARUSA — A Nappanee man was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, resulting in serious injury to two people.

Cristian A. Andrade-Palacios, 37, 154 N. Hartman St., Nappanee, is charged with two counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.08 or more, both level 5 felonies.

Around 4:15 p.m. June 17, 2023, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of SR 119 and CR 9 regarding a two-vehicle accident. The intersection is east of Wakarusa.

Palacios was driving a 2014 Mercedes Benz northeast on SR 119, and Lillian Coffman, Goshen, was traveling southeast on SR 119 in a black 2020 Jeep Wrangler.

According to court documents, Palacios entered oncoming traffic to pass a vehicle in front of him and hit Coffman’s vehicle head-on.

As a result of the accident, Coffman sustained injuries, including fractures to the metacarpals in her right hand. As of January 2024, Coffman reported that she was completely unable to use her right hand until August 2023. She also said her right hand has not healed properly and she still experiences difficulty writing and typing.

Palacios also had multiple passengers in his vehicle, including Job Andrade Garcia, Nappanee. Garcia was one year old at the time of the accident and broke his femur, with his injuries requiring surgery.

Palacios was exhibiting signs of intoxication at the time of the accident and a chemical test showed he had a 0.21 BAC. Palacios told officers he had three to four beers prior to the accident.

Palacios has already been arrested and released on bond.