Van Wert Post Investigating Three Vehicle Fatal Crash In Paulding County.

On Sunday, September 28th, at approximately 11:41a.m., troopers with the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were dispatched to a fatal crash involving three vehicles on SR 637 at CR 138 in Jackson Township, Paulding County.
During the investigation, it was found that 17 year old Grady K. Barton, of Oakwood, was operating a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, northbound on SR 637. 31 year old Marisela Soto Vazquez, of Paulding, was operating a 2016 Toyota RAV4 northbound on SR 637. 48 year old Lance M. Bolenbaugh, of Bryan, was operating a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide 103, southbound on SR 637.
Soto Vazquez was slowing down to make a left turn onto County Road 138 from SR 637. Barton was traveling behind Soto Vazquez, and failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead. Barton swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid Soto Vazquez. Barton sideswiped  Soto Vazquez’s vehicle and traveled into the southbound lane. Bolenbaugh was southbound on SR 637 and was struck by Barton’s vehicle head on.
Bolenbaugh was pronounced deceased at the scene. Barton had minor injuries, and Soto Vazquez was not injured in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorist to never drive distracted and
always keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.