(8-28-24) Yesterday at 9:49 am Van Wert County Sheriff’s Deputies and Wren EMS responded to a location on Rockford Road in Willshire for a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on private property.

When deputies arrived they found that the pedestrian, James Dellinger (70) of Willshire, laying on the ground surrounded by local individuals who assisting him. The driver of the vehicle Paul Sturwold (68) of St. Marys, stated that he did not see James and backed up into him.

Sturwold’s vehicle was stationary when James walked out of the business front door and was in front of the driver’s side bumper, Sturwold then drove forward striking Dellinger. Dellinger was hit by the driver’s side front quarter panel and bumper area and then ran over by the driver’s side front tire. Dellinger after being stuck fell backwards causing him to hit his head on the asphalt.

Sturwold was driving a 2019 Kia Optima. James was treated at the scene and transported to Ohio Health in Van Wert by Wren EMS for treatment.