COURT DOCS: Patron, empty beer bottle found in car of New Haven man accused of causing Sunday life-threatening crash

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Police found a half-drank bottle of Patron and an empty beer bottle in the car of a New Haven man accused of leading police on a chase that resulted in a life-threatening crash early Sunday, court records show.

BACKGROUND: Arrest made after police pursuit leads to injury crash south of downtown Sunday morning

Derrick Benson, 34, is accused of driving 70 miles an hour in a zone with a speed limit of 30 mph, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police engaged in a chase at about 1:45 a.m. near the intersection of South Barr Street and East Oakdale Drive.

The pursuit led to the intersection of South Lafayette and East Dewald Streets where an uninvolved car was rear-ended, police say. Benson sustained minor injuries while a passenger in his car suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the car that was struck was taken to an area hospital in life-threatening condition.

Benson's blood alcohol content was 0.105%, court records show. Officers described him as apologetic and said he had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

With an initial hearing set for Tuesday morning, Benson faces felony causing serious bodily injury while driving intoxicated, resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held at the Allen County Jail on a $15,000 bond.