SUV hits buggy: Woman killed, husband, 2 infants critical; driver jailed in Shelby Co.

A Sidney man is facing aggravated vehicular homicide charges in connection to a fatal crash involving an SUV and horse-drawn buggy.

Steven Eugene Hunter, 42, was booked into the Shelby County Jail early Saturday morning. He is being held without bond.

>> E. coli outbreak: CDC warns to ‘avoid all types of romaine lettuce’

Credit: SHELBY COUNTY JAIL

Credit: SHELBY COUNTY JAIL

A 23-year-old woman was killed, and her husband and two infant children all remain in critical condition at hospitals in Dayton.

The Amish family who lives in the Maplewood area all were ejected from a buggy that was struck from behind just before 9 p.m. Friday on state Route 47 near Tawawa-Maplewood Road in Shelby County near the Logan County line.

Credit: JIM NOELKER / STAFF

Credit: JIM NOELKER / STAFF

“The preliminary investigation indicated that the buggy was westbound, properly lit, on state Route 47. A westbound SUV struck the buggy from behind,” said Lt. Tim Bender of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

>> Pike County murders: 3 big questions, 2 years later

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Two infants were flown by CareFlight to a Dayton hospital, and a man was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital, then transferred to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

None of the victims’ names have been released.

The SUV driver, attempted to flee but his vehicle was stuck so he ran on foot, the lieutenant said.

“He was apprehended by Logan County Sheriff’s deputies about a mile from the scene,” Bender said.

The SUV driver suffered minor injuries.

“The horse (pulling the buggy) also had minor visible injuries and was taken to a farm nearby,” Bender said.

The 911 call originally went to Logan County because the crash happened so close to the county line, and both agencies are handling the crash jointly, Bender said.

The SUV driver will be cited for assured clear distance and likely will face more charges in the fatal crash.

Two CareFlight medical helicopters were requested to the scene.

Got a tip? Call our monitored 24-hour line, 937-259-2237, or send it to newsdesk@cmgohio.com

About the Authors