AMERICAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WLIO) — A car and a semi collided on Elida Road, sending one person to the hospital.
Just before 2 p.m., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to a crash on Elida Road. Troopers say 18-year-old Cooper Greer of Wapakoneta was driving northbound on Kemp Road and failed to stop at a stop sign. His vehicle was struck in the side by a semi driven by 37-year-old Greg Gates of Grovetown, Georgia.
Greer went off the right side of the road and struck a tree. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital. Troopers say Greer was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Jan. 7, 2026 press release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:
American Township – On February 7, 2026, at approximately 1:50 P.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck striking a car on SR 309 in American Township, Allen County.
Cooper Greer, age 18, from Wapakoneta, Ohio was northbound on Kemp Rd driving a 2012 Cadillac CT4. Greg Gates, age 37, from Grovetown, Georgia was southeast bound on SR 309 driving a 2021 Volvo Semi. Mr. Greer failed to stop at a posted stop sign and was struck in the side by the semi. Mr. Greer’s vehicle went off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Mr. Greer suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported from the scene by American Township EMS to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital. Mr. Greer was not wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash. Mr. Gates was not injured in the crash.
The semi sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Beaverdam Fleet Service. The Cadillac sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Big Daddy’s Towing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by American Township Fire, American Township EMS, Big Daddy’s Towing, Beaverdam Fleet Service, and The Elida Police Department.
The crash remains under investigation.
