02/19/2026
***UPDATE***
Patrol Investigating Injury Crash in Paulding County
Payne - The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle, injury traffic crash that occurred on February 19, 2026 at 6:22 p.m. in Paulding County. The crash occurred at the intersection of State Route 114 and State Route 49.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2023 Ford F-150, operated by Gary A. Artz, 35, of Rush City, MN was traveling westbound on State Route 114 and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of State Route 49.
Mr. Artz's vehicle entered the intersection traveling into the path of a northbound, 2016 Chrysler Town & Country that was operated by Ryan J. Karhoff, 49, of Payne.
Both Mr. Artz and Mr. Karhoff were transported to OhioHealth-Van Wert Hospital for injuries sustained in the traffic crash.
Passengers in the Chrysler Town & Country were: Kristen M. Karhoff, 37, Ariana Karhoff, 10, and Chloe Karhoff, 7, all of Payne. Ariana Karhoff was transported to OhioHealth-Van Wert Hospital while Kristen Karhoff and Chloe Karhoff were transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, Payne Fire & EMS, Scott Fire & EMS, Van Wert Fire Department, R & O Service, and John's Towing & Repair Service.
The crash remains under investigation.
Motor vehicle accident at the intersection of SR114 & SR49. Avoid the area so emergency personnel can work efficiently.
