The information provided allows for a timely snapshot of events in our community. The crimes reported here are preliminary investigations conducted in the field by deputies and may or may not be assigned to a Detective for further investigation. The information provided may be found to be incorrect or false after further investigation. Certain details of these incidents have been removed due to potential follow-up investigation into the incident and/or for privacy rights.
Eyes on the road -- something we're all taught when learning to get behind the wheel. Today with music, texting, maps, and more, there's more distractions than ever when driving. And for these high school students who will be attending prom soon, driving under the influence is just another danger to add to that list.
In 2024, there were 8 fatal crashes that resulted in 9 deaths. While this is the lowest number of fatalities until 2019, local officials want to see that number to continue to fall in 2025.
Thousands of people die each year nationwide from someone driving impaired and getting into a crash.
December 16, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Public Safety: COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) has awarded over $24 million for statewide programming to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities. A total of 189 grants were awarded with 159 grants going toward 145 different local agencies in 63 counties, and 30 grants going toward statewide initiatives. All grants support the efforts of safety partners statewide and focus on traffic safety priority areas, including impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding, distracted driving, youthful driving, and motorcycle safety. The traffic safety grant funds were directed to OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
December 12, 2024, Press Release from the Delphos Police Department: On 12-01-2024 officers were sent to the 400 block of Moxie Lane for a criminal damaging complaint. Officers found that a vehicle at that location had been damaged. On 12-01-2024 an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. After making contact with the driver, 48-year-old Michael Wagner, of Delphos, it was determined that he was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Wagner was taken into custody and issued a citation for OVI.
December 5, 2024, Press Release from the the Ohio State Highway Patrol: LIMA – As friends and families gather across Ohio this holiday season, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible on the state’s roadways. As always, the Patrol is committed to removing dangerous and impaired drivers, keeping Ohioans and our visitors safe. “There is never an excuse for driving impaired,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage everyone to drive responsibly every day; troopers will have no tolerance for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” Since 2019, there have been 72,130 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in the deaths of 3,920 people. This accounts for 54% of all fatal crashes on Ohio roadways. Additionally, during the same time period, nearly 44,000 others were injured in OVI-related crashes. Alcohol and/or drugs played a role in 53% of fatal crashes in the state. Of the 3,587 OVI-related fatal crashes since 2019, 28% were alcohol-related, 40% were drug-related and 32% were a combination of alcohol and drugs.
The night before Thanksgiving is the top drinking night of the year and law enforcement is urging those who drink to find a safe way home. The Ohio State Highway Patrol along with local law enforcement will be out patroling over the Thanksgiving weekend for driving violations and drivers under the influence.
October 29, 2024, Press Release from the Delphos Police Department: On 10-13-2024 a female reported that her vehicle was vandalized while parked in Delphos. The female showed officers damage consistent with the vehicle being shot several times by a BB gun. On 10-13-2024 officers were sent to the 900 block of Moening St, to speak with a female who reported that she saw three younger males walk through her yard and go into her garage. The female stated that the three males left when she confronted them.
October 17, 2024, Press Release from the Delphos Police Department: On 10-6-2024 a female called to report that she believed another female, whom she has a protection order against, violated that order by placing a phone call to her employer. There was no evidence to suggest the caller had any connection to the complainant. On 10-6-2024 officers were notified that a male that they transported to the hospital, for making threats to harm himself, had left the facility without permission. Officers were asked to locate the male and check his wellbeing.
