Hammond woman gets probation for leaving crash

A Hammond woman was sentenced Wednesday to 2.5 years of probation as part of a plea deal for leaving the scene of an accident.

Tianna Smith, 35, of Hammond, pleaded guilty in September to leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury.

The accident occurred at 9:19 p.m. on July 10, 2024 on Indianapolis Boulevard near 175th Street in Hammond.

Motorcyclist Aaron Bishop testified in court that he was on his way home from playing basketball at the Hammond Sportsplex.

He told Hammond police he didn’t have enough time to react when a Mitsubishi Outlander with only one headlight drove toward him.

He “grabbed” his bike, trying to hold on since he was not wearing a helmet. His foot was seriously injured and required surgery. He was hospitalized for three weeks.

He was able to walk on crutches in December 2024 and returned to work in April. He was left with anxiety and feelings of 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 that Smith would have to perform community service and has already sent a letter of apology to Bishop.

Defense attorney Mike Woods, like Balcazar, emphasized that she had a minimal criminal history. She had accepted her responsibilities from the start, he said.

“I carry so much regret and guilt,” Smith said in court, reading from his letter of apology.

“I don’t expect forgiveness,” she said. “I might not understand.”

Bokota said she appreciated “what is obviously sincere remorse.”

mcolias@post-trib.com