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http://www.michigancityin.com/articles/200.../news/news4.txt

Cops get tough with man who allegedly outran train

By Stan Maddux, For The News-Dispatch
LAPORTE - When LaPorte City Police arrested Marty Kraus on Wednesday for driving around a lowered railroad crossing arm, they hope it sends a strong message to motorists.

Kraus, 30, of 131 Laurel St. was taken to jail after being charged with Class D felony neglect of a dependent.

Police said that when Kraus drove around the lowered crossing arm, he had a child in his car.

He was caught driving around the lowered crossing arms of the Pulaski Street crossing Wednesday, said LaPorte Police Chief of Detectives Dennis Behenna. He said LaPorte police are arresting drivers on the felony charge for what's typically viewed as a traffic violation.

“It's entirely different if you're in the car by yourself,” he said, adding that in this case, it was “endangering the life of the child.”

Officer Joshua Mann saw Kraus pass a truck that had stopped behind the crossing arms for the oncoming train and maneuver across the tracks. The train was about 75 yards away when Kraus made it through, police said.

Kraus was quickly pulled over.

In the back seat was his 6-year old daughter, who was trying to put on her seat belt, police said. Kraus told Mann he was trying to get his daughter to school.

Mann also ticketed Kraus for disregarding a railroad signal, a child restraint violation and for driving on a suspended license.

Those alleged infractions could have played a role in the decision to take Kraus to jail, Behenna said.

If convicted of child neglect, Kraus could face anywhere from a six-month to three-year jail sentence.