Two injured in multiple crashes

Published 11:21 am Monday, August 26, 2013

Deputies were summoned to Wayne Township Aug. 25 to handle multiple crashes on Marcellus Highway near McKenzie Street, according to Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr.

Ricky Chapman, 55, of Middlebury, Ind., was traveling west on Marcellus Highway when he lost control of his vehicle, overturning in a ditch.

Upon the vehicle coming to rest, he then proceeded to continue westbound on Marcellus Highway.

Chapman crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic.

Timothy Young, 69, of Mishawaka, Ind., swerved his motorcycle to avoid a collision, causing the bike’s footrest to come into contact with the roadway.

This, in turn, caused Young to lose control of his motorcycle, wiping out into the ditch.

Both parties were transported by ambulance to Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac for treatment.

Use of restraints and helmets were not known, though deputies believe alcohol is a factor in these crashes, which remain under investigation.

Assisting the sheriff’s office were Dowagiac Police Department, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, Pride Care Ambulance Service and Wayne Township Fire Department.