Prosecutor arrested after crash: I had ‘coughing fit’

The St. Joseph County prosecutor, who is accused of drunken driving, told police that he crashed into a fence after a “coughing fit,” according to a 911 call.

The incident involving county prosecutor John McDonough occurred Monday in Lockport Township, on the north side of Three Rivers.

“Hey, this is John McDonough. I had a coughing fit and went off of Lovers Lane and ran over a fence,” McDonough said on the recorded call, which was released Friday.

He called back after initially asking for a tow truck.

“I got out of there. I was able to talk to the homeowner. I think everything is all right,” McDonough said.

The dispatcher said an officer was headed to the scene.

“OK,” McDonough replied.

McDonough, who faces re-election this year, hasn’t talked publicly about the crash. He has a court hearing next Thursday.  (AP)