Head-on crash in DeKalb County injured three people Tuesday

A head-on crash in DeKalb County injured three people Tuesday. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department the crash happened in the 7400 block of State Road 8 around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, just east of Newville. Investigators said a vehicle driven by Austin Ortiz, of Butler, crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. Reports indicate that an oncoming vehicle driven by Eric Rice, of Edgerton, Ohio, crossed into the westbound lane to avoid the collision. Investigators said Ortiz then corrected back into his proper lane and hit the brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision. The Concord Township Fire Department extricated Ortiz from his vehicle. He was taken by air ambulance to a Fort Wayne hospital and last listed in serious condition. Rice was treated and released for his injuries. A passenger in Rice’s vehicle was listed in fair condition. It was reported that all three people were wearing seat belts.