Charges Refiled, Warrant Issued for Lawrenceburg Man Involved in Deadly Crash

The case stems back to 2022.

Dennis Poland. File photo.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - A warrant has been issued for a Lawrenceburg man involved in a fatal 2022 crash. 

On April 5, 2022, Dennis Polan, allegedly drove a truck that was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Mackenzie Howell.

The crash occurred on U.S. 52 in southeast Franklin County and included two more injuries, including Poland. 

According to court documents, a law enforcement officer entered the emergency room where Poland was unconscious and receiving treatment.  The law enforcement officer did not believe he had sufficient time to secure a warrant before the three-hour mark after being informed that a helicopter was enroute to transport Poland to the University of Cincinnati Hospital.  At the request of the law enforcement officer, a nurse supervisor took a blood sample from Poland, which tested positive for fentanyl, a fentanyl metabolite, and oxycodone. 

Poland was charged on December 15, 2022, with two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death (Level 4 Felonies), two counts of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury (Level 5 Felonies), and reckless homicide (Level 5 Felony). 

Fast forward two years to September 2024, and Poland filed a Motion to Suppress alleging that law enforcement officers illegally seized his blood without consent, probable cause, and/or a search warrant authorizing said seizure. A motion to dismiss came shortly after, which was granted. 

The Court of Appeals reversed the decision in August 2025. 

The case was reopened on March 3 when charges were refiled in Franklin County. 

Poland was scheduled to appear in court on March 11 for an initial hearing, but he failed to appear - which prompted Franklin County Circuit Judge Clay Kellerman to issue a warrant for his arrest. 

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact local police.