Crime
Children killed in I-65 crash in Hobart identified
HOBART, Ind. — Authorities have identified the three passengers killed in a devastating Interstate 65 crash in Hobart, Indiana, that also left another child critically injured and could result in multiple felony charges against the driver, according to the Indiana State Police.
The victims were identified as 9-year-old Royce Sims, 5-year-old Artavius Sims, and 19-year-old Raniah Simpson.
A fourth child, 7-year-old Terrion, survived the violent collision but remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe injuries.
Investigators said the deadly crash occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, May 15, along southbound I-65 about one mile south of Ridge Road in Hobart.
According to state police, 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary was driving a Ford Explorer southbound on the interstate when the SUV allegedly rear-ended a disabled semi-tractor trailer that had been parked on the right shoulder of the highway.
Troopers said the Ford Explorer struck the semi-truck “at a high rate of speed,” causing catastrophic damage to the SUV.
Authorities reported that three of the four juvenile passengers inside the vehicle died from injuries sustained in the crash.
One of the victims was reportedly ejected from the SUV during the impact.
The surviving child, Terrion, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter to the University of Chicago Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Renee Foster also sustained injuries in the collision. Officials said she suffered upper-body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point for medical care.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
During the investigation, Foster reportedly told troopers that she had fallen asleep behind the wheel before the crash occurred.
The heartbreaking tragedy has devastated multiple families. Royce and Artavius Sims leave behind their younger brother, Terrion, who remains hospitalized as he continues fighting for his recovery.
Family members, including Renee Foster and Michelle Foster, are now mourning the unimaginable loss of their loved ones while dealing with the aftermath of the catastrophic crash.
According to Indiana State Police, both Foster and the semi-truck driver consented to blood draws following the collision.
Toxicology results are still pending.
Authorities said the following recommended charges have been submitted against Foster to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review:
- Four counts of neglect of a dependent, Level 5 felonies punishable by one to six years in prison
- Reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor
- Driving while suspended, a Class C misdemeanor
- Four child restraint violations
Indiana State Police noted that Foster was not in custody at the time of the announcement because she was still receiving medical treatment.
Officials also emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The fatal I-65 crash investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and awaiting toxicology test results related to the tragic collision in Hobart.
Crime
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. — Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.