Freightliner failed to stop at Ohio 65 and struck Chevrolet Trax injuring two children
April 28, 2026 | Ottawa, OH
A hit-and-run incident involving a tractor-trailer left a woman and two children injured at the intersection of Road 7 and Ohio 65 in Ottawa Township.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Tuesday morning.
Brook-Lynn Barrientes, 33, and two children were injured after a hit-and-run crash involving a Freightliner tractor-trailer at Road 7 and Ohio 65 in Ottawa Township.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision unfolded around 10:12 a.m. when a 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer, driven by 47-year-old Predrag Rasuo of Greensboro, North Carolina, disregarded a stop sign and entered the intersection. The truck struck a 2022 Chevrolet Trax carrying 33-year-old Brook-Lynn Barrientes and two minor passengers.
- Date and Time: Tuesday, April 28, approximately 10:12 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of Road 7 and Ohio 65, Ottawa Township, Putnam County, Ohio
- Vehicles Involved: 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer and 2022 Chevrolet Trax SUV
- Injuries: Barrientes and the two children sustained injuries, and all were transported to Putnam County Ambulatory Care for treatment
- Suspect Actions: Rasuo fled the scene immediately after the collision
Authorities quickly tracked down the Freightliner on County Road 6 near Pandora. Pandora Police and Putnam County deputies arrested Rasuo without resistance. Investigators believe impairment played a role in the crash.
Why Do Tractor-Trailer Crashes Occur?
Tractor-trailer accidents often stem from factors like driver fatigue, impairment, or failure to obey traffic signals. According to the Federal Highway Administration, large truck crashes account for a significant portion of highway incidents, with over 4,000 fatal crashes involving trucks in recent years.
Factor |
Contribution to Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Driver Impairment |
Up to 30% of commercial vehicle incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Failure to Yield/Stop |
25% of intersection collisions |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Speeding |
20% of truck-related fatalities |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Fatigue |
13% of large truck crashes |
NHTSA |
Data highlights the need for vigilant enforcement and driver training in high-risk areas like rural Ohio highways.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the complexities of motor vehicle crashes involving commercial vehicles.
“In cases such as this, it's imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect the rights of those affected,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on tractor-trailer incidents:
- Commercial crashes involve multiple factors, requiring thorough analysis beyond initial reports.
- Trucking firms may deploy their own investigators, underscoring the value of independent legal support.
- Skilled representation can involve professional witnesses, background checks on drivers, witness location, and insurance reviews to guide those impacted through the process.
“Those involved in collisions may seek claims to address medical costs, future care, lost income, emotional effects, and pain,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Insurance providers often prioritize their interests, but dedicated advocacy ensures accountability.”
For more on pursuing claims in Ohio, resources from the Ohio Department of Transportation provide guidance on accident reporting and rights.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).