Ex-officer in 2016 hit-and-run crash sues over dismissal

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) - A former northwest Indiana sheriff's officer who authorities say struck a man with his squad car while intoxicated at the 2016 Gary Air Show is suing over his dismissal.

The Post-Tribune reports ex-Lake County Lt. Guy Mikulich filed the federal suit last week against the sheriff's department and others. He's seeking at least $75,000 and argues his termination from the department violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

John Kopack, the department's attorney, says a vigorous defense is planned.

The 39-year-old Mikulich on Monday pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges including leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Police say Mikulich's unmarked car struck and injured Derrick Dircks of Frankfort, Illinois, on July 10, 2016, along a street following the show.

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Information from: Post-Tribune, http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/