On March 22, 2025, LaPorte Police responded to Northwest Hospital – LaPorte after a 2-year-old boy was run over by a vehicle.
Due to the severity of the child’s injuries, officers were urged to arrive at the hospital immediately, as the child was being airlifted to Indianapolis for further treatment.
Incident Details
According to court documents, hospital staff informed officers that the child was brought in by his mother and stepfather after being struck by a vehicle. The stepfather explained that he had been assisting a friend, Eric Levine, with car repairs. Once the work was complete, Levine got into his vehicle and backed out of the driveway, accidentally hitting the child, who was standing behind the car.
Realizing what had happened, the child’s parents immediately rendered aid. Meanwhile, Levine backed out of the driveway and left in an unknown direction.
Police Investigation
A Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) search revealed that Levine’s driver’s license was suspended. Officers located and detained Levine before transporting him to the LaPorte City Police Department.
During questioning, Levine admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day. Officers noted his droopy eyelids, slow reactions, and sluggish speech. Levine consented to a blood test at the hospital, where he later admitted to smoking more marijuana after returning home from the incident.
Charges Filed
Eric J. Levine is currently being held at the LaPorte County Jail. On March 24, 2025, he was formally charged with:
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Offense Committed after Committing OWI (Level 3 Felony)
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Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Vehicle with a Schedule I or II Substance (Level 5 Felony)
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Driving While Suspended – Operation of a Vehicle Resulting in Bodily Injury (Level 6 Felony)
An arrest and criminal charges are accusations only. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
