The accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Friday, July 12, at the Pope Street Crossing in Warsaw.

WARSAW — At 1:58 p.m Friday, July 12, the Warsaw Police Department responded to a car vs. train accident at the railroad crossing on East Pope Street, located between South McClellan Street and South Detroit Street.  As information came into central dispatch, officers were notified that a female and a young child fled along the street while the male driver fled along the tracks. All three were quickly apprehended with the assistance of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and the Winona Lake Police Department.

Medics were called to check on the female and her 7-year old daughter but advised EMS they were not injured. The driver was found hiding in an old camper on private property adjacent to the tracks. He was taken into custody without incident and stated he was not injured, refusing any medical attention. The male driver was identified as James Douglas Cable, 3038 West CR 850S in Bunker Hill.

James Douglas Cable

The vehicle involved in the accident, a red 2015 Kia Sportage, was found to be an active stolen vehicle reported in Perry County, Ill. last Sunday. The eastbound Kia was struck in the left rear quarter panel by a southbound Norfolk Southern train and spun around after the collision. Damage is estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.

Cable was listed as a possible suspect in that report from Illinois. He has been preliminarily booked for vehicle theft, a level 6 felony, and misdemeanor charges including operator never licensed, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and possession of paraphernalia. Based on the conclusion of this investigation, other charges may be filed.

The female passenger, identified as Amber Wirsing, 27, later stated that she had been offered transportation from her residence to the county fairgrounds. When Cable altered the travel plans, Wirsing protested that he either take them directly to the fairgrounds or drop them off on the side of the road. Cable became upset and attempted to beat the train, even though the red flashing lights were operating correctly.  After the collision, he attempted to physically force her to stay in the car.  She grabbed her daughter and fled the scene on foot, based on the driver’s actions. Wirsing was released after her interview.

Cable is currently listed on the Illinois Sex Registry. Investigators suspect he has been living in Indiana and wish to confirm these suspicions based over the past 72 hours.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts since Sunday is urged to call the Warsaw Police Department at (574) 385-2208 as the criminal investigation continues.