Matthew J. Braun
STEUBEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Authorities in Steuben County believe alcohol was a factor in a crash that landed a motorcyclist behind bars.
The two occupants of the bike were thrown when it crashed just before 11 p.m. on Friday CR 300 N near CR 100 E in Steuben County’s rural Pleasant Township.
According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Matthew J. Braun of Pleasant Lake had a warrant out for his arrest as well at the time of the wreck. The passenger, 37-year-old Jessica J. Goodman of Angola was critically hurt in the crash.
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Department released the following:
On 08/04/2023 just before 11:00 pm. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call of a motorcycle crash on CR 300 N near CR 100 E in Steuben County’s rural Pleasant Township. Initial responding deputies found a single motorcycle on its side off of the south side CR 300 N along with two injured crash victims. Preliminary crash investigation indicated that a black 1982 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by 40 year old Matthew J. Braun of Pleasant Lake was traveling westbound on CR 300 N at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.
Braun then lost positive control of the motorcycle and left the south side of the roadway colliding with a utility box. Both Braun and his passenger 37 year old Jessica J. Goodman of Angola were thrown from the motorcycle and injured. Braun complained of injuries to his lower leg and Goodman sustained a head injury and was rendered unconscious. Neither Braun nor Goodman were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Braun was transported to Cameron Hospital by Steuben County EMS in serious but stable condition for treatment of his injuries. Goodman was flown to Parkview Regional Medical Center by Samaritan helicopter in critical condition.
The weather was clear and roadway dry at the time of the crash. Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash. A subsequent operating while intoxicated investigation was conducted and Braun was booked into the Steuben County Jail in connection with that investigation following treatment of his injuries at the hospital. Braun also had an unrelated outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Steuben County. Braun is facing one count of level 5 felony operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and 2 counts of misdemeanor operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Braun remains held in lieu of a $10,000.00 bond. The crash still remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Fremont Police, Fremont Fire Department, Steuben County EMS, and the Indiana State Police.
