CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A crash on Sunday, November 19, 2024, left a local gas station damaged and raised questions about the driver’s condition and circumstances leading to the incident. According to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, a 2016 Kia Sorento veered off Clinton Road, eventually colliding with the Railway Express gas station on Pleasant Valley Road.
The driver, whose identity has been withheld by the sheriff’s office, reportedly failed to navigate a curve while traveling northbound. The vehicle exited the roadway, crossed a bike path, crashed through a retaining wall, and struck both the building’s corner and an outdoor refrigeration unit.
Guns and Alcohol Found at the Scene
Upon searching the vehicle, deputies discovered an alarming cache of weapons, including a loaded Glock 9mm with a round in the chamber, two additional 9mm handguns, and a 12-gauge shotgun. A case of alcohol with one can missing was also found in the vehicle. All items were confiscated and secured as evidence.
Driver’s Statement
The driver, a corrections officer at the Ross Correctional Institution, told deputies he “zoned out” while driving, citing fatigue from long hours on the job and relationship drama. He claimed to have swerved off the road to avoid a vehicle ahead that was slowing for a traffic light. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver expressed reluctance to involve law enforcement.
Serious Injuries Reported
Emergency responders transported the driver to a local hospital, where medical staff confirmed he had sustained a broken back in the crash. Despite the severity of his injuries, deputies are investigating whether impairment played a role in the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has not yet ruled out impairment, pending further analysis.