(PRESS RELEASE) Tiffin Township, Defiance County – The Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred on December 16, 2024 at approximately 2:00 P.M, at the intersection of Banner School Road and Christy Road in Tiffin Township, Defiance County.
A 2009 Pontiac G5, operated by Fredy Sosa, age 45, of Defiance was traveling north on Christy Road and stopped at the posted stop sign at the Banner School Road intersection.
A 2025 Blue Bird school bus, operated by Rhonda Lehman, age 61, of Defiance, was traveling east on Banner School Road. Sosa failed to yield after having stopped at the stop sign, entered the intersection, and was struck by the Northeastern Local School Bus #5. Sosa’s vehicle traveled off the southeast side of the intersection and struck a utility pole.
Both drivers were wearing safety belts. No children were on the school bus at the time of the crash. Lehman sustained minor injury and was treated on scene. Sosa sustained serious injury and was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital by Defiance County EMS.
Defiance Post Troopers were assisted at the crash scene by the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Defiance County EMS, Defiance County Highway Garage, Tiffin Township Fire Department, and John’s Towing.
Alcohol impairment is a factor in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists to never drive impaired, to always wear a seat belt, and never drive distracted.
