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.
MEDIA RELEASE__On April 17, 2025, deputies from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of 12757 State Route 309 on the report of a serious injury crash involving two vehicles.
Upon arrival, deputies located three victims. Dennis Covault, 73, of Harrod, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His spouse, Louise Covault, 71, also of Harrod, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a Columbus-area hospital for treatment.
The driver of the second vehicle, Hailey Breeden, a 28-year-old female of Kenton, also sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Lima hospital for further medical care.
