LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – One person was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash in American Township on Saturday night.
Troopers from the Lima post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that Maria Hollstein, 61, of Lima, was taken to Saint Rita’s with serious, but not life-threatening injuries following the crash that happened around 8:30 pm at SR 309 and Baty Road.
Troopers said she was riding in a vehicle driven by Jeffrey Hollstein, 53, who was driving west on 309, when he attempted to turn onto Baty Road and pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by Lakyn Lopez, 17, of Elida.
Lopez received minor injuries. Troopers say Jeffrey Hollstein was not injured, but they believe his possible Alcohol use is a suspected factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Media Release from the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
American Township – On August 23, 2025, at approximately 8:29 PM, troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were notified of an injury crash on State Route 309 at the intersection of Baty Rd. in Allen County.
Through the investigation and statements from witnesses on scene, it was found that Jeffrey S. Hollstein, age 53, of Lima, was operating a 2020 Cadillac CT4 northwest on SR 309 and attempted to make a left turn onto Baty Rd. Mr. Hollstein turned into the path of Lakyn C. Lopez, age 17, of Elida, who was operating a 2001 Ford Explorer southeast on SR 309. Both vehicles came to final rest in the roadway.
Mr. Hollstein did not report injury on scene. Mr. Lopez reported possible minor injury. A passenger in Mr. Hollstein’s vehicle, Maria S. Hollstein, age 61, of Lima, was transported by American Township EMS to St. Rita’s Mercy Health for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. All occupants in both vehicles were reported as wearing a seatbelt. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor for Mr. Hollstein, and the crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists, especially with the upcoming Labor Day Holiday, to never operate any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always designate a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
