Christopher L. Hammond, 32, of Dayton, was charged with having weapons under disability and receiving stolen property during a traffic stop Tuesday evening.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office on patrol in the area of U.S. Route 68 and Township Road 189 observed his vehicle slowing down and the driver reportedly put his arm out the window to signal a right turn, as the right rear turn signal was non-functional.
Deputies said Hammond failed to signal the right turn prior to 100 feet before the intersection and initiated a traffic stop, with the vehicle turning into the parking lot of the Dollar General, 1134 N. Detroit St., West Liberty, and coming to a stop.
When asked for his vehicle registration and driver’s license, deputies said the driver appeared nervous and replied that he didn’t have time to retrieve the requested documents because he was “running late for work.” He also refused a consent search of his vehicle.
K9 Thor was deployed on the vehicle and indicated on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies seized two firearms from the trunk area. Both of the firearms reportedly returned as stolen — one from the Natchez Police Department in Mississippi and the second from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in Florida.
During a criminal history search, deputies found that the defendant was a convicted felon with six prior breaking and entering charges. He was lodged in the Logan County Jail.
2 transported from Troy Road crash
Driver Shawn M. Fabiny, 23, and his passenger, Zayne C. Bishop, 19, both of Bellefontaine, were transported by Bellefontaine EMS and Huntsville to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in a head-on collision Tuesday evening.
Deputies said Bishop was transferred to Grant Medical Center in Columbus and was reported in stable condition Wednesday morning.
The second driver, Matthew R. Brown, 50, of Bellefontaine, and his passenger, Gracie Hammaker, 25, both of Bellefontaine, were treated at the scene of the crash by EMS personnel, but were not transported.
Deputies report Fabiny was operating a southbound 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier on north Troy Road about 6:20 p.m. and went off the left side of the road, entering the ditch. He then overcorrected and came back onto the road, crossing the center line and striking a northbound 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer operated by Brown head-on.
Damage was heavy to both vehicles. Deputies said Fabiny was not wearing a seat belt and seat belt use in unknown for Bishop. The occupants of the Brown vehicle were wearing their seat belts.
Fabiny was cited for failure to control.
Man issued summons related to falsifying medical emergency
Brayden J. Saunders, 23, of Jackson Center, was issued a summons for obstructing official business and was cited for speed related to an incident Tuesday evening.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop with his vehicle about 5:10 p.m. in the area of State Route 235 near State Route 47 for a speed violation.
The defendant reportedly told deputies that he was speeding because he was trying to get to his brother, whom he said had fallen in his bathroom at his Jackson Center home.
Deputies initially gave Saunders a warning for the speed violation and contacted the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office about the possible medical emergency and requested a well-being check at the address.
The Jackson Center police chief responded to the address and with Saunders, they checked the residence and found no one inside. At first, Saunders claimed his brother must have gotten a ride to the hospital with a neighbor.
However, during a phone call with deputies, he admitted he had lied about his brother having a medical emergency. He was issued the summons.