On November 1st, 2025, at around 12:16 am, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Station 2 First Responders, and Adams County EMS were dispatched to the area of CR 200 South near CR 400 East for a personal injury accident involving 2 horse-drawn vehicles (buggies). It was reported that 2 buggies had crashed head-on into each other, and there were possibly 2 unconscious patients. Upon the arrival of first responders, it was discovered that there was only 1 unconscious patient. That patient was provided with care until the arrival of Adams County EMS, at which point he was transported to a Fort Wayne Hospital for further treatment.
Upon investigation, Deputies learned that a buggy operated by Stephen MK Schwartz (age 19) was driving westbound on CR 200 South between CR 400 East and CR 300 East. It was following another westbound buggy operated by Henry S Schwartz (age 21). There were at least 2 eastbound buggies, west of Stephen and Henry. Henry observed both eastbound buggies. The first eastbound buggy was operated by Kathryn N Wickey (age 25). The second buggy was operated by Laura N Wickey (age 21).
For an unknown reason, Stephen attempted to pass Henry’s buggy into the oncoming eastbound buggy traffic. Stephen said he did not see the buggies until the last second. Kathryn was able to maneuver her buggy into the ditch to the south, around Stephen’s buggy. Laura attempted to maneuver her buggy in the same manner, but was unable to avoid Stephen’s buggy. Stephen’s buggy crashed head-on into Laura’s buggy in the eastbound lane of CR 200 South. As a result of the crash, Stephen suffered multiple injuries to include loss of 2 teeth, swelling, abrasions, and bruising to the face, unconsciousness, and a concussion. Laura suffered minor scratches to her forehead.
Through thorough follow-up investigations by Deputies, it was discovered that Stephen had left a birthday party at a residence on CR 500 East, owned by David LL and Annie A Schwartz, who admitted to furnishing alcohol to those present, including Stephen. When Deputies questioned David about furnishing alcohol, he stated, “I didn’t think one (drink) would hurt anybody.”
It was also discovered that Kathryn, Laura, and Laura’s 2 passengers, Joseph LM Schwartz (age 19) and Joann N Wickey (age 19), had left a get-together at a residence on CR 000, owned by Mahlon K. Schwartz. When Mahlon was questioned by Deputies, he advised that he knows underage individuals consume alcohol on his property and allows it if they stay at his home.
As a result of the investigation by Deputies, the following criminal charges are being requested:
- David LL Schwartz and Annie A Schwartz
- IC 7.1-5-7-8(b)(2): Furnish Alcohol to Minor, Proximate Cause to Serious Bodily Injury – Level 6 Felony
- Naoma RM Schwartz
- IC 7.1-5-7-8: Furnish Alcohol to Minor – Class B Misdemeanor
- Mahlon K Schwartz
- IC 7.1-5-7-8: Provide use of property for minor consumption – Class C Infraction
- Stephen MK Schwartz
- IC 9-30-5-2: OWI Endangering – Class A Misdemeanor
- IC 7.1-5-7-7: Minor Consumption – Class C Misdemeanor
- IC 9-21-8-7: Improper Passing – Class C Infraction
- IC 9-30-7-5: Serious Bodily Injury Implied Consent Refusal – Class C Infraction
- Joseph LM Schwartz
- IC 7.1-5-7-7: Minor Consumption – Class C Misdemeanor
- Joann N Wickey
- IC 7.1-5-7-7: Minor Consumption – Class C Misdemeanor
Adams County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Berne Police Department, Monroe Fire Department, and Adams County EMS.
***All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***
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