Paulding County Sheriff Jason Landers
Paulding, Ohio-Today at 8:04 a.m., the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport van was involved in a two vehicle injury crash at the intersection of SR 613 & SR 637 in Jackson Township.
The transport van was being operated by Sgt. Christopher Dilling who was transporting 8 inmates from the Putnam County Jail to the Paulding County Jail for court appearances. Initial statements given to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who’s investigating the crash, indicate a northbound vehicle on SR 637 entered the path of the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle traveled off the north side of SR 613 and overturned in a ditch. All 9 occupants in the transport vehicle were able to climb out of the van with minor injuries.
Paulding County Jail inmates that refused treatment at the scene were Jessica Beane, Justin Kipker and Jon Foster. Inmates that were transported to the Paulding County Hospital were Christopher Franklin, Timmy Tucker, Benjamin Smith, Tomas Walters and Antonio Barajas, Jr. Sgt. Dilling was also transported to the Paulding County Hospital. All inmates as well as Sgt. Dilling have been treated and released with minor injuries as of this time.
“This was a horrible accident that took place today. This could have been a real tragedy. I am so thankful that no one was seriously injured, including the other driver. I want to recognize the respect and care the inmates showed to Sgt. Dilling. Many inmates assisted Sgt. Dilling in being removed from the vehicle. They all stayed calm and showed great behavior while first responders did their job. The inmates were very respectful as they were treated at the hospital or moved around in other vehicles, said Sheriff Landers.”
From the Van Wert State Patrol:
Van Wert Post Investigating Injury Crash Involving Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Transport Van
Jackson Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a two vehicle injury crash on SR 637 at the intersection of SR 613 approximately five miles north of Grover Hill, Ohio.
On July 27, 2015 at 0802 hours, a 2014 Chevrolet Impala driven by Mark Rolston, age 49, of Reed City, Michigan was northbound on SR 637 approaching the intersection of SR 613. Mr. Rolston failed to yield to a 2005 Chevrolet Express van, owned by the Paulding County Commissioners, and driven by Sergeant Chris Dilling, age 45, of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Dilling was traveling westbound on SR 613 and was transporting eight inmates for the Paulding County Jail. Mr. Rolston’s vehicle struck the left side of the transport van, causing the transport van to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn.
Mr. Rolston did not claim any injury. His vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed by R&O Towing. Mr. Rolston was cited for failing to yield.
Sergeant Dilling and five inmates were transported to the Paulding County Hospital where they were treated and released. Three other inmates did not claim injury and were transported to the Paulding County Jail. The transport van was towed by Gideon’s Towing and Recovery.
The inmates that were transported to the Paulding County Hospital were Christopher Franklin, Timmy Tucker, Benjamin Smith, Tomas Walters and Antonio Barajas Jr.
The inmates that did not claim injury and transported to the Paulding County Jail were Jessica Beane, Justin Kipker and Jon Foster.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Grover Hill and Paulding EMS, Gideon’s and R&O Towing.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor and the crash remains under investigation. Sergeant Dilling, Mr. Rolston, and Jessica Beane were reportedly wearing seat belts. The inmates in the back of the transport van were not wearing seat belts.
