Highway Patrol Investigating Injury Crash in Paulding County.

On August 25, 2024, at approximately 1:00 A.M., the Ohio State
Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post was dispatched to a single vehicle injury crash on County
Road 177 west of County Road 171 in Brown Township, Paulding County.
A Polaris RZR-XP1000, driven by Savannah Ridgway, age 24, of Convoy, was traveling
west on County Road 177. The Polaris drove off the right side of the roadway and struck a
tree. The Polaris also had a passenger, Westen Phlipot, age 23, of Paulding. Both
occupants of the Polaris sustained serious injuries.
Ridgway was flown by helicopter to Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo. Phlipot was flown
by helicopter to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office,
Oakwood Fire and EMS, Mercy Health Life Flight, Promedica Life Flight and John’s
Towing.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash and safety belts were not used. The Ohio
State Highway Patrol reminds motorists not to drive impaired and always wear a seat belt.
The crash remains under investigation.