Published: January 12, 2009 11:01 am      

Area briefs Jan. 12

Man accidentally shoots himself

PERU — A Peru man accidentally shot himself Sunday morning while cleaning a handgun.

About 8:30 a.m., Miami County Sheriff’s deputies intercepted a vehicle transporting 51-year-old Johnnie R. Hanger to Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru.

Upon arrival to the hospital, officers spoke to the Hanger, who advised them that he was clearing his Firestar .40 caliber handgun prior to getting into a vehicle with friends. As he did, the weapon discharged, striking his abdomen and left wrist.

According to a press release, Hanger was going to be transported to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for surgery.

As of Sunday afternoon, Hanger was in stable condition.

Slick roads, speed factors in fatal crash

CUTLER — Just after midnight today, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department responded to a fatal crash south of Flora near Cutler.

Police responded about 12:15 a.m. to 400S just east of 150W where they discovered a GMC truck driven by 35-year-old Ryan Lee Roth of Cutler had gone off the north side of the road and rolled several times.

According to a press release, Roth was partially thrown from the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say speed and slick road conditions may have been a factor. The crash is still under investigation.