(Photo by Deb Patterson)

UPDATE: According to a press release from the Warsaw Police Department, at approximately 2:22 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 3-year-old Brenda Lazano of Warsaw exited Carniceria San Jose, located on E. Winona Ave. near Wood Street, and walked towards the driver’s side of her parents van, parked in front of the store.

The report states Lazano walked around the back of the van to make her way to the passenger side of the vehicle. In doing so, she entered the roadway of Winona Ave. into the path of an eastbound vehicle driven by Lori Svinarich, 48, of Warsaw.

Svinarich stated she did not see Lazano until the girl was in the roadway and was unable to avoid striking her. Lozano sustained head trauma and was transported to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Her condition is currently unknown.

Though police do not suspect alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident, Svinarich was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for a blood draw, which is standard procedure in serious crashes. Police are still awaiting results.

Warsaw Police Department, assisted by the FACT team, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Multi-Township EMS, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Winona Lake Fire Department responded to the call. Winona Ave. in the area of the accident was closed for approximately 45 minutes while officials cleared the scene.

INITIAL REPORT: Emergency personnel have been dispatched to the 900 block of E. Winona Ave. in Warsaw for an automobile accident involving a pedestrian.

The pedestrian is being transported to an area hospital by ambulance. Condition is unknown at this time.

Winona Ave. from Lake City Animal Clinic to Comcast Cable is currently blocked. Please avoid the area until police have cleared the scene.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.