PRESS RELEASE

On February 13, 2026 at approximately 2:38 a.m. Darke County Deputies along with Union City Rescue, Southwest Mercer Fire District, and CareFlight were dispatched to the 2000 block of State Route 705, New Weston, in reference to an injury-accident.


Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 Ford F-150 driven by Ryan Bruggeman (44) of New Weston, was traveling west on State Route 705. A 2025 Mack Anthem driven by Mitchell Rockwell (22) of Portland, Indiana was traveling east on State Route 705. Bruggeman went left of center and struck the trailer of the Mack truck before leaving the roadway and striking a tree before coming to rest.


Union City Rescue treated Bruggeman until CareFlight arrived on scene and transported him to Miami Valley Hospital for his injuries. Bruggeman’s condition is unknown at this time. Rockwell was treated and released at the scene by Union City Rescue.


Alcohol is a suspected factor in the accident and Mr. Bruggeman was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of accident. This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.