ELKHART, Ind. (WISH) — A South Bend man has been charged for his role in a fatal hit-and-run motorcycle crash in Elkhart County. Eric Clifton Beal, 44, of South Bend, has been charged with two felony counts related to a fatal hit-and-run motorcycle crash that occurred on July 10, 2025, in Elkha rt County. The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office charged Beal on Dec. 9, 2025, following an extensive investigation by the Elkhart Police Department Fatal Crash Team. Beal faces one count of leaving the scene of an accident after operating while intoxicated causing death, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident after operating while intoxicated causing catastrophic injury, both felonies. The crash occurred near the intersection of County Road 6 West and John Weaver Parkway at 10:02 p.m. on July 10, 2025. Elkhart Police Department officers and first responders arrived shortly after receiving a 911 call reporting the incident. Upon arrival, first responders provided aid to the motorcycle’s driver, identified as Caleb Watson, and his passenger, both of whom were injured. Watson, 31, was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His 25-year-old passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Beal turned himself in to the Elkhart Police Department on Saturday, and was subsequently transported to the Elkhart County Jail for booking and processing. His bond has been set at $1 million dollars corporate surety. ...read more read less