The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department investigated two crashes last week, including a two-vehicle collision on Highway 15 and a single-vehicle crash in Bedford Township. The first crash occurred Monday, September 21st at approximately 10:10 a.m. at County Highway 16 and County Road 1825 North in Bedford Township.
According to deputies, 57-year-old Matthew S. Johnson of Flora was traveling east on County Highway 16 in a 2025 Mazda CX-30 when he attempted to make a left turn onto County Road 1825 North. The vehicle traveled off the edge of the roadway, struck a ditch and came to rest. Wayne City Ambulance personnel responded to the scene. Johnson refused medical transport, and no injuries were reported.
A second crash occurred Friday, September 25th at approximately 5:47 p.m. on Highway 15 near 2400 East in Leech Township. Deputies say 55-year-old Marcus Ray Watson of Fairfield was driving a 2007 Jeep Liberty when his vehicle struck the rear of a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 71-year-old Patty J. Bitner, also of Fairfield. The Malibu had entered Highway 15 from 2400 East.
According to deputies, Watson stated he had fallen asleep before striking Bitner’s vehicle. Both drivers refused medical treatment at the scene, and both vehicles were towed.
Watson was cited for Failure To Reduce Speed To Avoid An Accident.