Darrow L. Benbow, 42, of Saginaw, Mich., was transported by Bellefontaine EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment of serious injuries following a crash Monday, and then was flown by medical helicopter to the OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report he was operating a westbound 2004 Cadillac Deville on U.S. Route 33 near State Route 540 about 10 a.m. when he drove off the right side of the road and struck a large concrete culvert. The vehicle then went airborne and overturned several times, coming to rest on its top.
The lone occupant of the vehicle, Benbow, was wearing his seat belt, according to the crash report.
At the crash scene, deputies recovered an unloaded pistol laying in the grass by the vehicle. A second unloaded handgun was located in the trunk of the vehicle. A 15-round magazine and a 30-round magazine were located in the crash debris as well, deputies said.
During further investigation, deputies found that one of the firearms had been reported stolen by the Carrollton Township Police Department in Michigan.
In a criminal history check, deputies noted that Benbow has multiple felony convictions on his record.
Deputies were able to speak with Benbow at Mary Rutan Hospital prior to his transport to the Columbus hospital. He denied ownership of the firearms and provided deputies with the registered vehicle owner’s information.
The registered owner of the vehicle told deputies she had given Benbow and his wife permission to use the vehicle. However, she said she did not have any knowledge of the firearms and that they did not belong to her. Investigation continues.