The Blade
PAULDING — Eight inmates from the Putnam County Jail and a corrections officer suffered minor injuries after a prisoner transport van was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Jackson Township today, the Paulding County sheriff said in a statement.
Just after 8 a.m. Sgt. Christopher Dilling, a corrections officer at the Paulding County Jail, was driving eight inmates from the Putnam County Jail to the Paulding County Jail for court appearances when the van was involved in the crash at the intersection of State Rt. 613 and State Rt. 637.
The driver of the other vehicle, identified by the patrol as Mark Rolston, 49, of Reed City, Mich., was uninjured. He was cited for failing to yield, according to state patrol.
Mr. Rolston was traveling northbound on State Rt. 637 and failed to yield to the transport van, which was traveling westbound on State Rt. 613. The van was struck on the left side and overturned. All passengers were able to get out of the vehicle.
The inmates were identified as Jessica Beane, Justin Kipker, Jon Foster, Christopher Franklin, Timmy Tucker, Benjamin Smith, Tomas Walters, and Antonio Barajas, Jr.
Three inmates declined medical treatment at the scene. Five inmates and Sergeant Dilling were taken to Paulding County Hospital and released with minor injuries.
Paulding County Sheriff Jason Landers in a statement today commended the inmates for their calm demeanor and help during the incident, including some who helped remove the officer from the vehicle.
“This was a horrible accident that took place today. This could have been a real tragedy,” he said in the statement. “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.”
The patrol post in Van Wert is handling the investigation. Alcohol is not believed to be factor.