Police report Criswell was traveling south in his 2008 Ford F350 on CR 525W near Royal Center when he lost control of the vehicle which ran off the road on the east side, overturning twice before coming to rest on the driver's side, approximately 1000 feet north of CR 900N. The accident occurred at 9:33 p.m., Sunday (March 24). Police were notified at 9:35 p.m. and arrived at the scene about 15 minutes later.

The investigating officer noted the road surface was snowy/slushy, and that visibility was hindered by blowing snow. He also noted the crash was not the result of "aggressive" driving.

The police report said Criswell was not ejected from or trapped in his vehicle, and it is unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt. The report also said the victim showed no signs of alcohol, drugs or medication use.

Criswell underwent surgery for his injuries Tuesday morning at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. His mother Theresa Calloway, in a telephone interview, said Evan came successfully through surgery. But she added the family still needs "lots of prayers" for what is expected to be a lengthy recovery. She said Evan is experiencing paralysis from the waist down, and that his doctors do not believe a full recovery will be likely.