ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A 36-year-old man from Seattle, Washington, has been charged in connection with a wrong-way crash that occurred earlier this week in Ross County.
The incident, which unfolded on July 23, 2024, prompted a response from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP) to US-35 in Concord Township. According to OSP reports, a 2011 Toyota Scion XD was traveling eastbound on US-35 when it veered off the left side of the roadway into the median. The vehicle then crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2019 Ford Escape traveling westbound on the same highway.
Fortunately, neither driver sustained injuries in the collision. However, authorities identified the driver of the Toyota Scion as Gabriel Reed, 36, from Seattle, Washington. Reed was immediately charged at the scene with operating a vehicle without reasonable control. Subsequent testing revealed his blood alcohol concentration to be .176 on the OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) scale, leading to additional charges of OVI.
The crash caused both vehicles to sustain significant damage, resulting in a temporary closure of the affected lanes on US-35 as emergency responders and OSP personnel worked to clear the scene and conduct investigations.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized the dangers of impaired driving and reiterated their commitment to enforcing traffic laws to ensure the safety of all road users.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution and abide by traffic regulations to prevent accidents on Ohio roadways.
