Two people injured in motorcycle-related crashes Tuesday in Warren area

Staff report

WARREN

The second accident in the Warren area on Tuesday involving a motorcycle apparently caused the most injuries.

Jeffrey Koptis, 61, of Warren, suffered extensive facial abrasions and bruising to the back of his head and was transported to ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

His crash occurred about 1:05 p.m. at the intersection of Main Avenue and Dover Avenue, Warren Township.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which investigated, said Koptis was southbound on Main and struck a Jeep Cherokee in the rear, causing him to land on the road surface. A witness said Koptis was unconscious when she arrived, but the highway patrol said Koptis’ injuries were not life- threatening.

Koptis was cited for failure to maintain assured clear distance. He was not wearing a helmet.

Jessica Wargo, 31, of Warren, the driver of the Jeep, was wearing a safety belt and was not injured, the highway patrol said.

According to the county 911 center, the first crash Tuesday involving a motorcycle and a car and occurred at 9:25 a.m. on East Market Street near Howland-Wilson Road in Howland Township.

The motorcycle rider’s injuries initially sounded like they might be serious because he was described as “breathing but not moving.”

County dispatchers said one person was taken to St. Joseph Warren Hospital, but no information was available on how serious the injuries were, how many vehicles were involved or the names of the drivers.

The Howland Fire Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol apparently responded to the crash, but the highway patrol said it did not have any information available late Tuesday.