Walnut Township, Ohio – November 4, 2025 – A three-vehicle collision on southbound US 23 near Hagerty Road left one driver with minor injuries and another cited for failure to maintain assured clear distance ahead, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. under cloudy skies and dusk lighting conditions. A 2011 white Ford F-250 pickup (Unit 2), driven by 57-year-old Bruce D. Taylor of Amanda, was stopped in the median with a 2021 non-commercial trailer partially protruding into the southbound lanes as Taylor prepared to turn east onto Hagerty Road.
A 2017 black Ram 1500 pickup (Unit 3), operated by 57-year-old Anthony P. Schwalbauch of Amanda, came to a complete stop behind Taylor’s trailer on US-23
Moments later, a tan 2015 Subaru Outback (Unit 1), driven by 23-year-old Laikin Tarlton of Chillicothe, failed to stop and rear-ended Schwalbauch’s Ram. The impact propelled the Ram forward into Taylor’s trailer.
Schwalbauch sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported by Harrison Township EMS to Berger Hospital in Circleville. Taylor and Tarlton reported no apparent injuries.
Tarlton was cited for violation of Ohio Revised Code 4511.21A – assured clear distance ahead (ACDA). No alcohol or drugs were suspected, and all drivers were wearing seat belts. Air bags deployed in the Subaru and Ram.Vehicle Damage:
- Subaru Outback: Disabling front-end damage; towed by Amnesty.
- Ram 1500: Functional rear-end damage.
- Ford F-250 and trailer: Minor damage to trailer.
The southbound lanes were fully operational by 7:14 p.m. Deputy Aubrey Booker investigated the scene, with Sgt. Stacey Eitel reviewing the report. No other citations were issued.
