Weston man hurt seriously in head-on crash on U.S. 6

10/29/2005

BOWLING GREEN - A Weston, Ohio, man was hurt seriously yesterday when he intentionally drove across the centerline on U.S. 6 near Huffman Road and collided head-on with tractor-trailer, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Joel Shepperd, 24, was flown to Medical University of Ohio Medical Center, Toledo. No information on his condition was available last night.

Mr. Shepperd was eastbound on U.S. 6 about 3:15 a.m. when he drove left of center and struck the westbound semi driven by Michael A. Williams, 34, of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Williams was treated at Wood County Hospital for minor injuries, troopers at the patrol's Walbridge post said.

Lt. Dean Laubacher, the post's commander, said Mr. Shepperd was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and told troopers that he was attempting to commit suicide.

The case is under investigation.

Findlay police said they sent out a bulletin to area law enforcement agencies to watch for Mr. Shepperd's vehicle after they were called by one of his friends about 2:45 a.m. yesterday, who said he was suicidal.

Police checked a Findlay house, where they found a suicide note apparently written by Mr. Shepperd.