DOWAGIAC — A Dowagiac man was hospitalized Tuesday after striking another vehicle while trying to pass it on M-51 outside the city, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the department were dispatched to a reported crash at the intersection of M-51 and Saddlebred Lane in Pokagon Township at around 5:56 p.m. that afternoon.

Police learned that the crash was caused when 58-year-old Rodney Hemminger, of Dowagiac, attempted to pass a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Leroy Lewis, also of Dowagiac, while the latter was turning left onto Saddlebred Lane at the intersection. Hemminger attempted to pass Lewis on the right side of his vehicle and struck the other automobile.

Crews with Pride Care Ambulance transported Hemminger to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph for treatment of his injuries. Lewis was not hurt in the collision.

Police said that Hemminger was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, though Lewis was. Alcohol appears to have been a factor as well, authorities said.

The case remains under investigation.

Members of the Pokagon Tribal Police, Pride Care Ambulance and Dowagiac Fire Department assisted deputies at the scene of the accident.