Warrant issued for Lawrenceburg man involved in deadly 2022 crash

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – A warrant has been issued for a Lawrenceburg man who was allegedly involved in a deadly crash in 2022. 

The multi-car crash occurred on U.S. 52 near New Trenton in Franklin County and claimed the life of 20-year-old Mackenzie Howell, of Aurora. 

Howell was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 32-year-old Dennis Poland and police say a blood sample indicated that he had fentanyl in his system at the time of the crash. 

Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp charged Poland with Operating a Vehicle with a Controlled Substance Causing Death and Reckless Homicide.

In 2023, Poland’s defense team argued that the blood sample should not be part of evidence at the trial. 

Former Franklin County Judge Steven J. Cox granted the defense motion in 2024 and it led prosecutors to issue an appeal with the Indiana Court of Appeals. 

The Court of Appeals unanimously reversed Cox’s ruling in August 2025 which paved the way for Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp to re-file charges against Poland. 

Huerkamp has now re-filed charges and an initial hearing was held last week.

Poland allegedly failed to appear for the hearing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Anyone with knowledge of Poland’s whereabouts are urged to notify a local police agency. 

“We fully intend to see this case through from start to finish. All further proceedings will resume upon Poland’s arrest,” Huerkamp stated.