Driver unhurt after damaging 5 vehicles

VW independent/submitted information

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a five-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Friday on U.S. 30, which began near milepost 22, and ended near milepost 26 in Van Wert County.

At approximately 2:57 p.m., the Van Wert Patrol post took a call related to a reckless driver eastbound on U.S. 30 near the Middle Point-Wetzel Road exit. The vehicle was reported as unable to maintain lanes and, at times, driving the wrong direction and in the grass median. Troopers were dispatched and, approximately 3 minutes later, spotted the vehicle. While attempting to stop the vehicle, the suspect vehicle struck a guardrail just east of Ohio 66.

The driver of the suspect vehicle, a 2012 GMC truck, Michael J. Grundy, 63, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was uninjured. From the initial report of reckless driving to the location where troopers made contact with the suspect, a total of five vehicles sustained damage as a result of being struck by Grundy. No injuries were reported by the other motorists involved.   

The Van Wert Post was assisted on scene by Delphos Fire Department and EMS personnel, Big Daddy’s Towing, and Knippen Towing.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts and never drive distracted or impaired.