By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
A hit-and-run crash that tore through a horse-drawn buggy on a rural Williams County road last fall, seriously injuring a Bryan-area mother and her children, has now resulted in a grand jury indictment.
According to court records, a Williams County grand jury on January 22nd indicted Michael D. Quillen, 32, Bryan, in connection with the November 12th crash in Center Township. The indictment comes after weeks of investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and follows widespread community concern over the severity of the injuries and the lack of immediate charges.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:41 p.m. November 12th on eastbound County Road G near County Road 10. Troopers said a white Chevrolet Silverado struck a horse-drawn buggy from behind and fled the scene.
The buggy was occupied by Martha Wagler, 27, and her two young children, ages 1 and 3. All three were transported by ambulance to Parkview Bryan Hospital.
Due to the seriousness of her injuries, Wagler was later transferred to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The children were transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
In the days following the crash, the patrol asked for the public’s help in locating the pickup truck, which was described as a white Chevrolet Silverado expected to have front-end damage.
Community tips ultimately led investigators to locate the vehicle on November 22nd. Reports described visible damage, including a caved-in front end and a missing wheel well liner.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol later identified Quillen as the suspected driver and thanked the public for tips that helped locate both the vehicle and the driver. Troopers have said the information provided by community members was instrumental in advancing the investigation.
Court records show a Williams County grand jury returned an indictment against Quillen on January 22nd that includes multiple felony charges stemming from the crash and its aftermath.
According to the indictment, Quillen is charged with three counts of failure to stop after an accident, all fourth-degree felonies, each alleging that the crash resulted in serious physical harm.
In addition to the hit skip related charges, Quillen is also charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, in connection with allegations that evidence related to the vehicle was altered, destroyed, concealed, or removed during the investigation.
He is further charged with possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony, and driving under suspension or in violation of a license restriction, a first-degree misdemeanor.
The indictment also includes a forfeiture specification related to the white Chevrolet Silverado, alleging the truck was used as an instrumentality in the commission of the offenses and is subject to forfeiture under Ohio law.
Additional details about the family’s medical condition emerged in later reporting from regional and Amish focused outlets. Those reports indicated Wagler was pregnant at the time of the crash and delivered a baby girl approximately two months early as a result of the trauma.
The children also suffered serious injuries. The 1-year-old sustained a broken elbow that required surgical pins. The 3-year-old suffered a skull fracture and, after treatment, has been recovering at home.
Body camera footage from the scene captured a trooper noting a deep gash on one child’s head, further illustrating the severity of the injuries.
In a letter shared with local media, Wagler’s father expressed gratitude that the family survived the crash and thanked the community for the support that followed.
That support has come from both Amish and non-Amish neighbors. Community members have helped with chores and animal care, delivered meals, and organized fundraisers to assist with medical and related expenses.
The case has also renewed attention on the dangers faced by Amish families who regularly travel by buggy on rural roads shared with modern traffic. Residents’ familiar with the area have pointed to low light conditions at dusk and higher speeds as ongoing concerns.
The crash has prompted renewed calls for motorists to slow down, remain alert, and give horse drawn vehicles additional space.
With the indictment now filed, the case will proceed in Williams County Common Pleas Court. As with all criminal matters, the charges represent allegations, and Quillen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.