FORT LORAMIE — Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an accident on Thursday morning at 1:16 a.m. at the intersection of Fort Loramie-Swanders and Luthman Roads. The report was a vehicle that had struck a pole that was down on the roadway.
Deputies were advised that there was an accident that had just happened prior to the original in where a car had struck the pole.
According to accident reports, an investigation revealed a white Honda Accord, driven by Derek Simmons, 27, 129 S. Main St., Minster, was traveling westbound on Fort Loramie-Swanders Road when his vehicle failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway. His vehicle went off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox. He then struck a pole causing the pole to break at the base and fall across Luthman Road. His vehicle continued over Luthman Road. The vehicle struck a road sign and then a second utility pole, breaking the pole and causing it fall across Fort Loramie Swanders Road. The vehicle then traveled through the yard at 7381 Fort Loramie-Swanders Road and struck a tree. He was out of control for approximately 475 feet.
A second vehicle came along and struck the pole that was down across the roadway. The driver of the second vehicle, David Werling, 28, 10 W. Park St., Fort Loramie, said that after he struck the pole he spoke to Simmons and asked if he had reported his accident. Simmons told him that he did not report the accident because he had been drinking.
Simmons told deputies that he was driving and looked down to grab his phone. He didn’t know what happened. According to the accident report, Simmons was not able to tell deputies what street he lived on. He only knew that he lived with his dad in Minster. Simmons was bleeding from his forehead. He didn’t think he had any other injuries. Deputies noticed an odor of alcohol coming from him and that didn’t walk straight as he was walking, he was going side to side.
Simmons told deputies he had two beers, and that he drank those at his buddies house in Sidney. He said that he drank those a while ago.
Fort Loramie Rescue arrived on scene and treated Simmons. He was then transported to Wilson Hospital for his injuries.
At the hospital, Simmons was asked for a blood test and served with driving under the influence charges and a citation for failure to control. His license was seized. Simmons has a prior OVI conviction from January 2012. He also has a Physical Control from July of 2009.
Simmons did not show proof of insurance. He stated that he has an SR22 Insurance Bond through Viking Insurance.
His vehicle was towed and the temporary tag was seized and sent to court.
