HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A Highland County sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured early Saturday when a pickup truck crossed the center line and struck his patrol vehicle head-on on U.S. Route 62 in Liberty Township, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:09 a.m. near Surber Lane, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wilmington Post reported.
Preliminary investigation showed a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, driven northbound by Blake Mallow, 21, of Sabina, traveled left of center and collided with a 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor traveling southbound, operated by Danny Strain, 70, of Greenfield. Strain is a deputy with the Highland County Sheriff’s Office and was on duty at the time of the crash.
Both men were taken to Highland District Hospital with serious injuries. Their conditions were not immediately available Saturday morning.
The Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. It remained unclear whether speed, impairment or other factors contributed. The investigation is ongoing.
Assisting agencies at the scene included the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Paint Creek Fire and EMS, and T&G Towing.
The Highland County Sheriff’s Office earlier asked the public to pray for its deputy. No further details about Strain’s tenure or assignment were immediately released.