Crash reported near Speedway
VERMILION — A 19-year-old driver and a 19-year-old passenger were charged after a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning near U.S. 6 / Liberty Avenue in Vermilion.
According to a Vermilion Police Department report, officers were dispatched around 12:20 a.m. March 15 to the area near the Speedway gas station for a crash involving a vehicle that had gone off the roadway and struck a utility pole and a tree.
As of Tuesday morning, the damaged utility pole had not been replaced and traffic in the area was reduced to one lane.
Police said the blue Hyundai had been traveling westbound when it left the roadway.
A witness told officers the vehicle went off the right side of the road before striking the pole and continuing into a tree. The witness remained at the scene and spoke with officers.
Charges follow investigation
Officers reported that the 19-year-old showed signs of alcohol use and refused roadside field sobriety tests at the scene. The motorist was taken to the Vermilion Police Department and later provided a breath sample that measured 0.179 blood-alcohol content.
Ohio’s legal limit for drivers age 21 and older is 0.08, and drivers under 21 are prohibited from driving after consuming alcohol.
The driver was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, underage alcohol consumption, possession of marijuana and possession of a tobacco product under 21.
The 19-year-old passenger was charged with underage alcohol consumption, open container, possession of marijuana and possession of a tobacco product under 21.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated both individuals at the scene, but police said they declined medical treatment.
Officers reported finding multiple open alcohol containers inside the vehicle during the investigation.
Both were later released to sober parties after the investigation was completed, police said
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