(8-15-22) Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred this morning, August 15th, 2022.  Mercer County Central Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call at 5:30 AM of a traffic crash on Us Rte 127, just south of St Rte 119.

The investigation revealed that Martin P Schmitt (51) 1784 St Joe Road was driving a 1999 tan GMC Jimmy, traveling south on Us Rte 127.   James R Bruns (58) 17 Park St North Star, Ohio was traveling northbound in a 2019 white Dodge Ram pickup truck.  For an unknown reason, Bruns traveled left of center, striking Schmitt.

Schmitt was pronounced dead at the scene.  Bruns was transported to Mercer Health by Southern Mercer County Joint Ambulance District, Squad 3, for treatment.

Assisting at the scene were members of the St. Henry Fire Department, Chickasaw Fire Department, Southern Mercer County Joint Ambulance District, MCERV, and Mercer County Coroner Dr Timothy Heinrichs.    

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team was called to the scene.  This crash remains under investigation at this time and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

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