Bugger Case Summary

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WOOSTER — Authorities continue to look for the driver of a car that fled the scene after crashing into an Amish buggy Wednesday evening, causing serious injury to at least one of the buggy's occupants. The buggy's operator Jacob Hershberger, 32, County Road 281, Sullivan, was treated for injuries at the scene but received no other medical care. His four occupants, however, were all transported by emergency squad to Lodi Hospital, said Lt. Stephanie Norman, commander of the Wooster Post of the State Highway Patrol. Miriam Hershberger, 8, and Emma Hershberger, 4, both were treated and release. Susan Hershberger, 5, was flown from the Lodi hospital to Akron Children's Hospital, where staff said she was “doing better” Thursday afternoon, said Norman, …show more content…

The crash occurred on state Route 539, north of Ruff Road, in Congress Township at 7:55 p.m. According to the patrol, the horse-drawn buggy, operated by Jacob Hershberger, was southbound on state Route 539, when it was struck from behind by a southbound passenger car. The collision forced the buggy off the right side of the road, where it crashed into a ditch, ejecting all the occupants with the exception of Miriam Hershberger. Although injured, the horse survived the crash and was taken from the scene. The car fled the scene; however, vehicle parts recovered from the scene indicate it was likely a 2001 or 2002 champagne or gold colored Honda Accord. Based on evidence, the vehicle sustained significant damage to its front end and right side, said Norman. Never exists a circumstance in which an at-fault driver is permitted to leave a crash scene, said Norman, noting, it is against Ohio law to leave the scene of an injury …show more content…

We have the ability to find out who the driver is, and that's what they should be doing (she said of the division's investigative office). We're doing everything we can to figure this out. We have an injured family here. They need to know who, what, when, where, why. This is a crime. It's not just a traffic crime. It's a crime.” To the missing driver, Norman said, “Now would be the time to turn yourself in. There's still time to explain your actions.” She continues to ask for the public's help, noting even the smallest bit of information may be critical in putting together all the pieces needed to solve the puzzle. “If we can find the vehicle, typically, we can find the driver,” she said, explaining license plate numbers are especially helpful in such investigations. The topography at the crash site is straight and flat and “there is no reason (the motorist) should not have been able to see (the buggy) unless they were distracted or impaired.” The buggy was properly and legally marked with 72 inches of reflective tape on the back, as well as additional safety markings, she

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