A Hammond woman got 2.5 years probation Wednesday in a plea deal for leaving the scene of a crash.
Tianna Smith, 35, of Hammond, pleaded guilty in September to Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Moderate or Serious Bodily Injury.
The accident happened at 9:19 p.m. July 10, 2024 on Indianapolis Boulevard near 175th Street in Hammond.
Motorcyclist Aaron Bishop said in court he was headed home after playing basketball at the Hammond Sportsplex.
He told Hammond Police he didn’t have enough time to react when a Mitsubishi Outlander with one headlight came right at him.
He “gripped” his bike trying to hold on since he wasn’t wearing a helmet. His foot was severely injured and had to undergo surgery. He was hospitalized for three weeks.
He could walk with crutches in December 2024 and went back to work in April. He was left with anxiety and survivor’s guilt.
“It’s been a long road,” he said in court.
Smith told police at the time she swerved to miss another car, then “panicked” and took off.
Deputy Prosecutor Arturo Balcazar asked Judge Natalie Bokota to accept the plea, noting Smith would have to do community service and already sent an apology letter to Bishop.
Defense lawyer Mike Woods, like Balcazar, noted she had a minimal criminal history. She had accepted responsibility from the start, he said.
“I carry so much regret and guilt,” Smith said in court, reading from her apology letter.
“I don’t expect forgiveness,” she said. “I may not get it.”
Bokota said she appreciated “what is obviously sincere remorse.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/10/hammond-woman-gets-probation-for-leaving-crash/
