Perrysburg, OH (July 7, 2026) – A Perrysburg police officer and another person were injured after a wrong-way driver entered the I-75 south entrance ramp from U.S. 23/Fremont Pike and struck a police cruiser late on Monday night, July 6.
The incident happened at about 11 p.m. after a vehicle was seen traveling south on I-75 at around 93 mph. According to initial reports, a trooper attempted to stop the SUV, but the driver continued at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was discontinued after the vehicle pulled too far ahead.
The SUV later continued without headlights before a Perrysburg police officer located it. Investigators said the driver slowed near the overpass above Fremont Pike, turned around, and drove the wrong way down the entrance ramp to southbound I-75. The SUV then collided with the officer’s patrol vehicle.
The officer and one person inside the SUV were taken to a hospital. One of the injured people was reported to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The patrol vehicle sustained heavy damage, and the SUV came to rest in a nearby ditch. Road closures affected Fremont Pike and the entrance ramp to southbound I-75 while emergency units worked at the site.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved, had not been released at the time of publication. The cause of the accident remains under review as investigators continue gathering evidence.
We extend our best wishes to everyone injured and hope for their full recovery.
Why Are Wrong-Way Crashes Commonly So Dangerous?
Wrong-way driving collisions are among the most severe roadway emergencies because they frequently involve vehicles traveling directly toward one another at highway speeds; this greatly increases the force involved and raises the likelihood of serious injuries. These crashes usually occur at night, when reduced visibility can make it harder for drivers to recognize the danger in time to avoid it.
Investigators typically examine roadway markings, traffic cameras, vehicle data, witness statements, and possible impairment to determine how a driver entered the roadway in the wrong direction. Information gathered during this process helps explain what occurred and may identify factors that could reduce the risk of similar crashes in the future.
