Defiance man dead after striking ditch, overturning vehicle

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash

6/19/2017

DEFIANCE — A Defiance man was killed over the weekend in a single-vehicle crash on State Rt. 15 during a pursuit with state troopers.

Steven M. Caryer, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Defiance County Coroner’s Office, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol.

A state trooper tried to stop Mr. Caryer’s vehicle for speeding and failing to yield about 10:35 p.m. Saturday, according to the patrol. Mr. Caryer turned his vehicle’s lights off and fled.

He drove off State Rt. 15, struck a ditch, and overturned his vehicle, troopers said. The crash site is about four miles south of Defiance.

Mr. Caryer was not wearing his seat belt. He was thrown from the vehicle, according to the patrol. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Further investigation revealed Mr. Caryer had an active warrant for his arrest from Monroe County, Pennsylvania, for operating while impaired.

The crash remains under investigation.