MEDIA RELEASE__On April 2, 2026, a Hardin County Sheriff's Deputy was on routine patrol when they observed a Chevrolet SUV traveling at a high rate of speed on a rural county road. The Deputy, after confirming the speed, turned to initiate a traffic stop.
The suspect vehicle attempted to elude the Deputy by turning into a driveway in the 18000 block of County Road 146, continuing down a farm lane and eventually driving into a large open field. Despite continued signals from the Deputy to stop, the vehicle remained in motion until a second Deputy arrived on the scene. Working in coordination, the Deputies successfully blocked both points of exit from the field, containing the vehicle.
MEDIA RELEASE__On March 28, 2026, at approximately 10:17 A.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck striking a car on US 30 at the Hancock County Line in Richland Township, Allen County.
Lawrence Morris Sr, age 62, from Toledo, Ohio, was southbound on CR 15 driving a 2015 Lincoln MKS. Andrew Skiles, age 54, from Rochester, Indiana, was westbound on US 30 driving a 2018 Kenworth Semi. Mr. Morris failed to yield at a posted stop sign and was struck in the side by the semi.
Mr. Morris suffered fatal injuries and was transported from the scene by Allen County Mortuary Services to Chiles-Laman Funeral Home.
MEDIA RLEASE__At approximately 6:48 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, the Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle, head-on injury crash in the 21000 block of State Route 235 in Orange Township.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2009 black Mitsubishi, driven by Caiden Helms, was traveling southbound on State Route 235 when it crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2023 Cadillac, driven by Kathy Elsass, head-on.
Following the collision, Kathy Elsass's vehicle caught fire, and she was initially trapped inside. She was pulled from the vehicle by a passing good Samaritan before it became fully engulfed in flames.
MEDIA RELEASE__Alaina Murray, a 14-year-old female (DOB 6/30/2011), was last seen around midnight on March 6, 2026 near Nuebrecht Road in Lima, Allen County, Ohio.
Alaina was wearing a black hoodie, jeans, pink crocs, and a Spider-man watch.
Alaina is diabetic and could be experiencing a medical emergency.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 148 lbs.
If you’ve seen Alaina or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please call the Allen County Sheriff’s Office at 419-227-3535 or 9-1-1.
MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 5:49 p.m. stating there was a two vehicle crash on St Rt 68 near St Rt 701. Upon the deputies' arrival, they found a 2004 Volkswagen Passat and a 2014 Buick Encore had collided head-on. Both vehicles were occupied only by the driver.
After investigation, it was determined that the southbound Volkswagen driven by 27-year-old Owen Bame of rural Dunkirk was struck head-on in the southbound lane.
