The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office declined comment Friday when asked by the Post-Tribune if the teen driver in a Lake Station river death would be charged as an adult.
“At this time, we are unable to provide any details or comment on any charges associated with this matter,” Prosecutor Bernie Carter said through a released statement. “Because the case involves a minor, Indiana law strictly limits the release of information to protect the privacy and rights of the juvenile involved.”
Divers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources recovered the body of the passenger, missing Lake Station teen Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, in Deep River Thursday morning.
Police said Montes, 18, a River Forest High senior, was involved in a single-car crash Sunday night.
Lake Station Police Chief James Richardson said one suspect was in custody and charges were pending. Richardson didn’t identify the suspect. Family members said Rodrigo received a ride home from an acquaintance after a gathering on Sunday.
An autopsy was scheduled Friday; a representative of the Lake County Coroner’s Office said toxicology results are expected in two to four weeks.
The incident unfolded when Lake Station police found a black pickup truck about 4:20 a.m. Monday submerged in the river near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street. No one was inside.
Saul Montes, his brother, said he learned Rodrigo’s friend, who was bringing him home, left the scene and went home after the crash.
He said the friend had a broken nose and bruises but declined to talk to the family.
All four of Lupita and Delores Montes’ sons graduated from River Forest.
Saul Montes said graduation and college awaited his brother in a few months.
Rodrigo planned to attend Purdue Northwest in Hammond and study construction management.
A friend previously said Montes was an IHSAA sectional wrestling champion this season.
mcolias@post-trib.com; Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
