Brown Township – On June 15, 2020, at approximately 10:01 A.M., Troopers from the Van Wert Post responded to a crash that occurred on State Route 66 south of County Road 166, Brown Township, in Paulding County.
Anthony B. Baxter, 20 years of age, of Payne, Ohio, was driving a 2001 Ford Taurus northbound on State Route 66 when he drove off the right side of the roadway into a bean field. Mr. Baxter continued to drive north and failed to take evasive action. After several hundred feet, Mr. Baxter struck an occupied residence causing severe disabling damage to his car and obvious structural damage to the residence. Mr. Baxter was trapped in the vehicle until extricated by Oakwood Volunteer Fire/EMS personnel.
Mr. Baxter was transported by Samaritan helicopter to Parkview Regional Hospital. He suffered serious injuries. Mr. Baxter was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.
Alcohol and drug use are suspected to be factors in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department, Oakwood Volunteer Fire and EMS, and R & O wrecker service.
The crash remains under investigation.
