A Butler man was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in a head-on crash in the 7400 block of S.R. 8 in Newville around 5 p.m. Tuesday, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Austin Ortiz, 19, of the 200 block of West Oak Street, Butler, was driving a 2007 teal Ford west when police said he crossed left of center into the eastbound lane. Ortiz’s vehicle struck a red 2012 Chevrolet driven by Eric Rice, 28, of the 100 block of West River Street, Edgerton, Ohio. Police said Rice veered into the westbound lane to avoid the collision.
Police added they believe Ortiz corrected back into the westbound lane and applied the brakes simultaneously as the Rice vehicle was attempting to avoid the collision. The collision occurred in the westbound lane.
Airbags were deployed in both vehicles, and all occupants were wearing seat belts, police said. Ortiz had to be extricated from the vehicle.
Ortiz was flown to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries, police said. Rice and a passenger, Rebecca Rice, 27, of the 7000 block of S.R. 49, Hicksville, Ohio, were taken to a hospital by ambulance. Eric Rice was treated and released. Rebecca Rice was listed in fair condition, police said.
The sheriff’s department was assisted by Southeast Fire (Concord Township and Spencerville), DeKalb EMS and Indiana State Police.
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