Capsule Reports - Thursday Feb. 15, 2024

Pole hit

Damage is estimated between $10,000 and $25,000 after a Fort Recovery man crashed into a pole along county road 900 South about 6:50 p.m. Tuesday.

Jeremy L. Bruggeman, 43, was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado east on county road 900 South just west of State Line Road when a deer ran in front of his path. He swerved north to avoid the animal, causing him to drive off the north side of the road and strike a utility pole. The collision broke the pole, leaving a portion of it hanging from the power line, according to a Jay County Sheriff’s Office report.

Bruggeman suffered a cut on his forehead but refused treatment at the scene. He was later taken to a hospital in Coldwater.

The vehicle Bruggeman was driving — it was towed — is registered to Cooper Farms of Fort Recovery. The pole is owned by American Electric Power.

Brakes failed

A Redkey man crashed his work truck into another vehicle after his brakes failed at the intersection of Water and Middle streets in Portland about 9:25 a.m. Sunday.

Michael Marcum, 41, was driving a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris owned by the United States Postal Service of Portland. 

He told police he was driving west on Water Street and attempted to stop at its intersection with Middle Street. The vehicle continued west and struck a southbound 2013 Volkswagen Passat driven by 57-year-old Michael Ramey of Portland.

Damage is estimated between $2,500 and $5,000. Both vehicles were towed.