Jackson Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a serious injury crash that occurred at 3:50 P.M. Thursday afternoon on County Road 111 East of the Village of Paulding, in Paulding County.
A 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Thomas A. Lantow, 17, of Latty, Ohio was traveling eastbound County Road 111. The driver lost control of the Pontiac, struck a utility pole and overturned. The driver and two passengers were all injured in the crash. The front seat passenger, Riley J. Bidlack, 16, of Paulding, Ohio was trapped in the vehicle and removed by non-mechanical means. The rear seat passenger, Jeremy J. Landwehr, 17, of Cloverdale, Ohio was ejected from the vehicle.
The driver was taken by EMS to the Paulding County Hospital. The passengers were both flown by Samaritan to Parkview Regional Hospital.
The utility pole, owned by AEP, was badly damaged and power lines were down at the scene. An AEP crew was on scene for several hours restoring electric service to nearby residences.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding Fire Department and EMS, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Police Department, Samaritan, Paulding AEP, and Gideon Wrecker Service.
The crash remains under investigation.Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. Seatbelts were not in use at the time of the crash. Seatbelt use may have reduced injuries to the occupants and driver.
