March 29, 2024

Man facing child endangerment charge following 2-vehicle accident

Newton man accused of leaving scene of accident

A Newton man is facing child endangerment charges after an accident Friday led to injuries to his three-year-old child and another driver.

Joshua J. White, 32, is accused of leaving the scene of a two-vehicle accident at 6 p.m. at the intersection of South Second Avenue West and West Eighth Street South.

Prior to the accident, a grey 2001 Nissan Altima was traveling northbound in the 200 block of West Eighth Street South. White was driving southbound in the 100 block of West Eighth Street South, according to a police report.

White attempted to turn eastbound onto South Second Avenue West when he allegedly struck the Nissan, causing significant damage to both vehicles, according to police.

When police arrived, White had already left the scene, and witnesses told police he also had a child with him who appeared to be injured.

The driver of the Nissan told police she had cuts to her right knee and pain on her right hand from the accident.

Inside of White’s vehicle, police found multiple empty beer cans, a full beer can in the back floorboard and a metal grinder with marijuana residue.

Police were notified that White ran westbound from the accident, and he was seen walking on train tracks eastbound from West 11th Street North.

White was arrested later that day on warrants for charges stemming from the incident. White was also arrested for a probation violation warrant. During his arrest, he attempted to flee.

The child was taken to the emergency room for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

White is facing charges of driving while license barred, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, failure to yield on a left hand turn, striking fixtures, failure to maintain control, child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with official acts.

White was taken to the Jasper County Jail where he remains without bond as of Tuesday.