Wapakoneta - The Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred on January 29,2025, at approximately 2:37 p.m. in Auglaize County, Ohio. The crash occurred on US Route 33 westbound near Milepost 14.

Ricky Smith, age 61, of Cridersville, Ohio was operating a 2017 GMC Savana. Elbert Capelle, age 18, of Celina, Ohio was operating a 2007 Ford Expedition. Carmichael Capelle, age 19, of Celina, Ohio was a passenger in the Ford.

The preliminary investigation indicates that both vehicles were initially westbound on US Route 33 in the right lane with GMC in front of the Ford. The Ford moved into the left lane and attempted to pass the GMC. The Ford encroached into the right Iane and struck the GMC. As a result of the contact, the GMC slid off the right side of the roadway. The Ford drove off the left side of the roadway and struck the raised median which caused it to go airborne. The Ford then landed in the eastbound lanes of US Route 33, overturned, and slid off the right side of the roadway.

Ricky Smith was wearing a safety belt and was not injured. Elbert Capelle was not wearing a safety belt and was ejected from the Ford. He suffered serious injuries. Carmichael Capelle was wearing a safety belt and was injured. Elbert Capelle and Carmichael Capelle were transported to Lima Memorial Hospital by Wapakoneta EMS

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Crash Reconstruction Unit, Wapakoneta Fire Department, and Ohio Department of Transportation also responded to the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash

The crash remains under investigation by the Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.