Saint Joseph Township – The Defiance Highway Patrol Post is investigating a two vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred today at approximately 12:45 PM. The traffic crash happened in the intersection of County Road 4 and County Road F 50 in Saint Joseph Township in Williams County.
Casey Kline, age 33, of Edon, Ohio was driving a 2001 Yellow Mercury Cougar westbound on County Road F 50. Douglas C. Michael, age 61, of Edon, was driving a Red 2002 Pontiac Sunfire northbound on County Road 4. Timothy D. Hartsock , age 42, of Edon, Ohio was the front seat passenger in the vehicle with Mr. Michael.
Mr. Kline ran the stop sign at the intersection of County Rd 4 and County Rd F 50 and his vehicle struck the Pontiac Sunfire in the passenger door. Mr. Kline’s vehicle came to rest in a field on the northwest side of the intersection. Mr. Michael’s vehicle came to rest on the northwest side of the intersection after striking a utility pole.
Mr. Hartsock was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr. Michael was transported to Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana by Lutheran Air. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr. Kline was not injured. He was wearing a seatbelt.
It does not appear alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the traffic crash.
The traffic crash remains under investigation.