One person killed after Sunday crash

The Celina Police Department is investigating a traffic crash which occurred around 4:20 p. m. on Sunday that left one person dead.

The crash involved two cars and a motorcycle in the 900 block of South Main Street.

The three vehicles were northbound, just north of Schunk Road. The lead vehicle, a 2008 Pontiac, driven by Zachary Stephenson of Celina, was stopped waiting to make a left hand turn into a business. The second vehicle, a 2006 Honda motorcycle, was driven by 62-year- old Yvonne Noel of Coldwater. She was slowing to stop behind the first car. The third vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Teddy Hale, 28, of Bradford, failed to stop before striking the rear of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle was struck from behind at what appeared to be around highway speed. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle.

The vehicle driven by Hale continued into the the lead vehicle, causing heavy damage to all three vehicles.

Noel was pronounced dead at Coldwater Hospital. The drivers of the other two vehicles had apparent minor injuries.

This appears to be a case of possible distracted driving, however, it does remain under investigation. Hale was held in the Mercer County Jail on charges of driving under suspension with a $500,000 bond. The case is currently under review by Mercer County Prosecutor Matthew Fox and further charges are expected.

The Celina P. D. was assisted by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Celina Fire Department.