UPDATE:
A Wapakoneta man was arrested Friday morning, Feb. 20, following an injury crash on U.S. 33 that law enforcement said involved drug impairment.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report the crash occurred at approximately 9:12 a.m. on eastbound U.S. Route 33 at the intersection with Township Road 239.
A 2008 Toyota Yaris driven by Shawn Edward Micheal, 39, of Wapakoneta, traveled left of center, crossed a marked lane, and struck a westbound semi-trailer.
The semi’s driver, Dennis Jones, 60, of Laurelville, sustained possible injuries and was transported by Indian Lake EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital.
A Russell’s Point firefighter alerted deputies to the presence of suspected marijuana inside the Toyota.
Deputies observed a glass jar approximately half full of marijuana buds on the passenger-side floorboard, along with a small container holding rolled marijuana cigarettes.
Deputies reported an odor of marijuana coming from Micheal and noted constricted pupils. While attempting to locate his insurance information, Micheal reportedly had difficulty answering questions. He agreed to participate in field sobriety testing.
According to reports, Micheal exhibited multiple indicators of impairment during standardized field sobriety tests.
Micheal was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
He was transported to the Logan County Jail. While en route, Micheal reportedly stated he had smoked marijuana, taken Adderall, and was driving to Columbus.
At the jail, Micheal refused to provide a urine sample. He was cited for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and for a marked-lanes violation.
He was later released to a sober driver.
Deputies were assisted by the Lakeview Fire Department, Indian Joint Fire District, Washington Township Police Department, and Russell’s Point Police Department.
Wren’s Towing removed the disabled Toyota from the scene. The semi’s trailer also sustained disabling damge.
The roadway was closed for about an hour following the incident.
PREVIOUS STORY:
Deputies with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspected impaired driver following a two-vehicle crash involving a car and a semi tractor-trailer on U.S. Route 33 just west of Township Road 239.
Deputies report the crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, when a Toyota car went left of center on U.S. 33 near the Township Road 239 intersection and struck a semi.
No injuries were reported.
Deputies handled the crash investigation with assistance from the Lakeview Fire Deparment, Indian Joint Fire District, Washington Township Police Department, and Russells Point Police Department.
U.S. 33 between Harrison Street and Township Road 239 was closed for approximately 45 minutes while emergency crews worked at the scene.
The male driver of the Toyota was arrested for suspected impaired driving.
The crash comes as more than a dozen local officers recently completed a two-day Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training. The session was hosted by the Russells Point Police Department and conducted by the state.
A deputy who responded to Friday’s crash had attended the training.
The car was removed from the scene by Wren’s Towing.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
