Emerald Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating an injury crash that occurred at approximately 3:30 P.M. Wednesday afternoon on US 24 at County Road 143, in Paulding County.
A 2009 Ford F650 wrecker, driven by Cameron Renfer, age 18, of Liberty Center, Ohio, was eastbound on US 24. A 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Preston Downs, age 19, of Bryan, Ohio, was southbound on County Road 143 and attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of US 24. Mr. Downs failed to yield to Mr. Renfer and was struck in the roadway. The wrecker slid off of the right side of the road, and overturned where it came to final rest. The Pontiac slid into the median where it came to final rest.
Mr. Downs was transported by Defiance EMS to Defiance Regional where he was subsequently flown by ProMedica to Toledo Hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Renfer was belted and claimed no injury.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding Sheriff’s Office, Defiance Fire and EMS, Paulding Fire and EMS, and KK Towing and Collision.
The crash remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to always buckle up, and to use caution at intersections allowing ample time for vehicles which have the right of way.
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