Car recovered

A combined operation that included divers from the Putnam and Allen County Sheriff’s departments, deputies from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and employees of the Van Wert County Engineer’s Department, resulted in the recovery of this Honda automobile from the Middle Point Quarry Tuesday afternoon. The vehicle’s owner, Daniel Hemker, made a lucky escape from the vehicle after the rear window broke when the car rolled over in the quarry. Sheriff Stan D. Owens said his department is investigating Hemker’s statements that two men immobilized him after he caught them burglarizing his residence at 12734 Dog Creek Road, placed  him in the back seat of his car and drove the vehicle into the quarry. More photos and information will be forthcoming. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)