Man drives into Ottawa River, swims to safety.
LPD Officers are investigating an incident in which a man drove into the Ottawa River at the intersection of S. Jackson and E. Elm Streets.
At approximately 2:50 AM, Third shift officers were sent to the area of the 300 Block of E. Elm Street after witnesses saw a man walking who appeared to have blood on his face, and who appeared to be wet. Officers arrived and found a man with a bloody nose. His clothes had been soaked and were frozen to his body. He was transported to St. Rita's Medical Center by the Lima Fire Department to be treated for cold weather injuries and minor facial injuries. At that time it was unknown what had happened to him.
Several hours later, the man told officers he believed he had driven his car into the river somewhere. Officers returned to the area where he was found and discovered a Pontiac Grand Prix in the river near the intersection of S. Jackson and E. Elm Streets.
It appears that the man was driving southbound on Jackson Street, and drove across the intersection of Elm Street. He drove through a fence, and then dropped approximately 20 feet into the Ottawa River. He was able to extricate himself from the vehicle and swam to the shore. He was eventually found walking in the 300 block of E. Market Street.
The man has been identified as 35 year old Robert Smith III from Lima. He is being treated at St. Rita's Medical center, for cold weather injuries and a minor facial injury from the crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
The Lima / Allen County Dive team was on scene to remove the vehicle from the river. The crash is still under investigation by the Lima Police Department.
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