March 24, 2026, Press Release from the Hancock County Sheriff's Office:
PANDORA, Ohio - At approximately 5:32 a.m., the Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 12 and CR 16.
Preliminary investigation a 2018 White Chevy Malibu, driven by Stephen Benner, was traveling east bound on SR 12. A 2019 Black Chevy Cruz, driven by Jean Iniguez, was traveling north bound on CR 16. Iniguez failed to stop for the stop sign, striking Benner. Due to the impact, Benner's vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a residence.
Stephen and his passenger Faith Benner, were transported to St. Rita's Medical Center for treatment of Unknown injuries. A small child from the same vehicle was also transported by EMS. A second child and Jean Iniguez were treated and released at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
Assisting at the scene was The Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Southwest Hancock Joint Fire District, and Bluffton EMS.
