Erie County Highway Patrol Investigates Two Separate Vehicle Crashes
Joe Lyons •
July 17, 2024
Erie County, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating two separate two-vehicle crashes that occurred today in Erie County.
Two-Vehicle Injury Crash on State Route 113
Milan Township – The first crash occurred at approximately 2:54 PM on July 17, 2024, on State Route 113 at Kelley Road in Milan Township. Lavon J. Hayes, 33, of Wickliffe, Ohio, was operating a 2022 Freightliner M2 straight truck and did not suffer any injuries. He was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash.
Jeffrey W. Erb, 62, of Avon Lake, Ohio, was riding a 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide without a helmet. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Fisher Titus Hospital by North Central EMS.
The incident happened as Mr. Hayes was traveling eastbound on State Route 113 and attempted to turn left onto Kelley Road, failing to yield to westbound traffic. Mr. Erb’s motorcycle struck the truck, and both vehicles came to a stop in the roadway.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office, North Central EMS, Groton Township Fire & EMS, and Wilson’s Towing assisted at the scene.
Two-Vehicle Injury Crash on State Route 60
Vermilion Township – The second crash occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on July 17, 2024, on State Route 60 at Mason Road in Vermilion Township. Victoria L. Swartz, 67, of Huron, Ohio, was driving a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to Mercy Hospital by Vermilion Township EMS and was wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash.
Matthew T. Rehak, 47, of Wakeman, Ohio, was driving a 2014 Chevy 1500 and was not injured. He was also wearing his safety belt.
The crash occurred when Mrs. Swartz, traveling eastbound on Mason Road, failed to yield at a stop sign and proceeded through the intersection, where she was struck by Mr. Rehak, who was traveling southbound on State Route 60. Mrs. Swartz’s Jeep overturned and struck a pole after veering off the right side of the roadway, while Mr. Rehak’s Chevy came to rest in the roadway.
As in the earlier incident, alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors. This crash also remains under investigation. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office, LifeCare EMS, Vermilion Township Fire & EMS, L&M Towing, and Dunn Rite Towing provided assistance at the scene.