PRESS RELEASE
On September 30 at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious two-vehicle crash on US Highway 224 near State Line Auto Parts, 5301 E US 224, Decatur, IN, involving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee and a 2017 Dodge Ram.
The preliminary investigation, including witness statements and physical evidence, indicates that the Jeep was traveling eastbound on US 224 when it attempted to turn north into State Line Auto. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep failed to yield to the oncoming westbound Dodge Ram, resulting in a significant collision. As a result of the impact, the Jeep overturned.
A passenger of the Jeep, Johnathon M. Mechling, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene by Lutheran Air to Lutheran Hospital Trauma Center for emergency treatment. The driver of the Jeep, Jacob Mechling of Huntington, IN, was transported by Adams County EMS to Lutheran Hospital Trauma Center for medical evaluation and treatment. The driver of the truck, Austin James of Decatur, IN was reportedly uninjured and assessed at Adams Memorial Hospital.
As part of standard procedure in serious crashes, blood draws were conducted on both drivers to assist in
the ongoing investigation.
Agencies assisting in the investigation include:
- Adams County Sheriff’s Office
- Decatur Police Department
- Adams County EMS
- Decatur Fire Department
- Lutheran Air
- Piqua Repair
- Double T Towing
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