Frankfort Man Thrown 25 Feet When Hit by Accused Drunken-Driving Lieutenant is 'Thankful I'm Still Alive'

A Frankfort Square man struck this week by an alleged drunken-driving Indiana sheriff's deputy considers himself lucky to be alive.

Derrick Dircks, 34, was outside his minivan near the Gary Air Show on Sunday when 16-year Lake County Sheriff's Department lieutenant Guy Mikulich reportedly hit him with his unmarked squad car and drove off.

Dircks was thrown about 25 feet, a Post-Tribune article said, noting that his four children, ages 10, 8, 6 and 3 were all in the van at the time of the crash.

Read Drunken-Driving Deputy Crushes Frankfort Man: Sheriff

Mikulich reportedly registered a blood-alcohol content of 0.15; nearly twice the legal limit.

Dircks was released from the hospital on Monday, after which he told Post-Tribune reporters he was in a lot of pain.

"I feel very terrible," he said, according to the story. "I don't know the extent of all my injuries. I'm really thankful I'm still alive."

Mikulich has been charged with four felonies and 10 misdemeanors. Among the first are leaving the scene of a personal injury crash and leaving the scene of a crash causing bodily injury. Among the latter is one count of driving while intoxicated, causing endangerment.

He was placed on administrative leave and Lake County Sheriff John Buncich requested that he resign on Monday. Mikulich, who has a history of disciplinary action, reportedly refused.