Highland Township, Ohio. (WOWO) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle rollover crash that left one person with life-threatening injuries late Thursday night in Highland Township.
According to the Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post, the crash occurred at approximately 11:51 p.m. on January 22, 2026, on State Route 15 near the Defiance–Putnam county line. The roadway was closed for nearly three hours as crews responded and cleared the scene.
Troopers say a 2009 black Ford Fusion, driven by James L. Bolden III, 43, of Lima, was traveling northbound on SR 15 when it went off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross the roadway, leave the left side, and overturn.
A front-seat passenger, Sandra L. Lopez, 49, of Lima, suffered life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital and later flown by Samaritan to Parkview Regional Medical Center. Bolden sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Defiance Regional Hospital by Putnam County EMS.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ayersville Fire Department, Highland Township EMS, Continental Fire Department, Putnam County EMS, and John’s Towing and Repair.
The crash remains under investigation. Troopers report that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.
