Norwalk Reflector
NORWALK, Ohio — A 2006 Ford Fusion was eastbound on U.S. 6 near mile post 4 at a high rate of speed when it traveled off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle over-corrected and traveled off the left side of the road and across the lawn of the Sandusky Patrol Post. The vehicle continued into the landscape area before striking a large concrete sign and crashing into the front of the patrol post.
The driver, Dakota Clouse, 24, Oxbo Road in Castalia, was not wearing a safety belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Troopers at the post rushed outside and provided medical aid until EMS crews arrived. Clouse was transported to Firelands Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
The patrol building incurred damage to the walls and windows of the conference room in addition to the landscaping and concrete sign. The conference room was not occupied at the time of the crash. However, the conference room had been occupied an hour prior to the crash for a public meeting, troopers said.
The vehicle sustained disabling damage as a result of the crash.
Clouse did not have a valid license due to an operating-a-vehicle-under-the-influence conviction in September 2015. He also had an outstanding felony warrant through the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sandusky Police Department, Sandusky Fire Department and EMS, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and Sandusky Towing.
Troopers said alcohol and speed are suspected to have contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation.
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