PUBLIC SAFETY

Church bus driver in fatal crash facing criminal charges

Justin L. Mack justin.mack@indystar.com

Criminal charges have been filed against the driver of a church bus that crashed Tuesday on Interstate 70, killing a 6-year-old boy.

Charles Goodman, 53, Gary, was charged Thursday in Hancock County with felony reckless homicide and driving while suspended, a misdemeanor.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest, according to online court documents. He remains hospitalized.

Police said Goodman had a suspended license and an active arrest warrant as he drove a St. Jude Family Worship Center bus Tuesday afternoon on I-70.

Initial investigation indicates that the bus was traveling east on I-70 when it ran off the road for unknown reasons, police said. Investigators believe the crash was a result of Goodman's error, as no evidence of mechanical failure was discovered.

Goodman was ejected from the bus and pinned underneath it. Police said he was alert and conscious at the scene and was transported to a hospital by a medical helicopter.

Jacob Williams, 6, Gary, was killed, and seven others were injured.

The bus was not properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, as it was traveling out of state to Dayton, Ohio, police said.

Officials could not supply the name of the pastor who owned the bus, but the church's website lists Bishop Lois B. Hill as its leader. Hill has not returned repeated requests for comment.

The church's website says Hill was attending a church conference in Dayton, Ohio, this week.

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter:@justinlmack.