Man found hiding in basement after crash
On Oct. 6, at 9:15 p.m., the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a one-vehicle traffic crash. The caller stated the vehicle was driven back home on a flat tire.
Deputies responded and spoke with Catherine Stevenson, 58, who stated she was the driver of a 2007 Toyota Camry on Highway 131 near County X, when she was forced off the road by another vehicle, causing her to crash. She stated the other vehicle didn’t stop. Stevenson also said her daughter, Cheyenne Stevenson, 20, was the passenger.
During the accident investigation, deputies determined that Charles Towsley, 22, Lone Rock, was the actual driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident and that both Stevensons had lied to officers to help Towsley. Towsley was later found at the Stevenson residence hiding in the basement.
Towsley was arrested and charged with OWI (first offense), operating after revocation, and resisting arrest. He was placed on a felony probation hold.
Cheyenne Stevenson was placed under arrest for resisting and obstructing an officer, for her part in assisting Towsley in avoiding apprehension, and issued a citation for falsifying an accident report.
Catherine Stevenson was issued citations for falsifying an accident report and resisting and obstructing an officer.
Through continued investigation it was found that on Oct. 5, Towsley was operating the Toyota between 8:30 and 9 p.m., and negotiating a sharp corner when he lost control on West Point Road in Utica Township. The vehicle struck some farm equipment and a fence near the road. The farm owner was contacted and informed of the damage. Further citations and charges may be pending.
