Patrol investigating wrong way accident

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

PAULDING COUNTY — Three people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident caused by a driver driving the wrong way on U.S. 24 in Paulding County.

Troopers from Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post were called to the scene following a report called in of a wrong way driver on U.S. 24, near milepost 2, at 3:52 p.m. Thursday.

Witnesses reported a westbound vehicle traveling in the eastbound lanes after turning from County Road 115. A 2006 Mercedes R500 SUV driven by Caroline A. Dangler, 71, of Cecil, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 24 when she struck a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu driven by David W. Pessefall Jr., 45, of Sherwood. Kathy J. Pessefall, 46, of Sherwood, was a front seat passenger in the Malibu.

All occupants were transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. All occupants were using safety belts and alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

U.S. 24 westbound lanes were closed for a short time during scene cleanup and were later reopened.  The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Antwerp EMS and Fire, Woodburn Fire Volunteer Fire and EMS, R & O Towing, and J & R Towing assisted the Patrol on scene.

The crash remains under investigation.