A Michigan City man was arrested after a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 421 and a subsequent disturbance at a local hospital, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, to the 0100 south block of U.S. 421 for a reported crash involving three vehicles. An initial investigation by Deputy Julian Sanchez determined that a northbound 2010 Chrysler minivan rear-ended a northbound 2009 Lexus, then crossed left of center into the southbound lane where it collided with a southbound 2018 Ford.

The driver of the minivan was identified as 36-year-old Jeremy D. Catchings of Michigan City. Deputies developed probable cause at the scene to believe Catchings was impaired. He was placed in a La Porte County EMS ambulance for treatment, where authorities say he became argumentative and uncooperative with both EMS personnel and deputies.

EMS transported Catchings to an area hospital. Deputies later responded there after EMS personnel reported that Catchings had threatened an employee while holding a pair of scissors taken from inside the ambulance.

Catchings was medically cleared and taken into custody. He was transported to the La Porte County Jail, where he was arrested on preliminary charges of:

• Intimidation with a deadly weapon (Level 5 felony)

• Operating while intoxicated, prior (Level 6 felony)

• Operating while intoxicated, endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)

• Driving while suspended, prior (Class A misdemeanor)

• Reckless driving (Class A misdemeanor)

Catchings remains held at the La Porte County Jail and is not eligible for bond. No serious injuries were reported in the crash. U.S. 421 was closed for about an hour for investigation and removal of the vehicles.