Driver describes events that led to water rescue

GRATIS TWP. — After a visit with family, David and Janice Dohn were on their way home Thursday night when their vehicle was swept away by high water.

Around 10 p.m., David Dohn of Gratis Twp. said he was attempting to cross a bridge on his property on Ohio 122 when his light blue Subaru Forester was pulled into the creek because of high water.

The car traveled about 100 yards downstream before rescue workers arrived from West Elkton, Gratis, Camden and Madison Twp. fire departments. Dohn reported to 911 that the vehicle was lodged in debris and filling up with water.

Crews used boats to pull the couple to safety.

“We weren’t hurt just really cold,” Dohn said.

The couple was treated at Atrium Medical Center in Middletown.

Dohn said as water was filling up inside the car, the couple retreated to the back, which was at a higher elevation. He said the rear window broke during the incident but they were unable to escape.

Dispatchers remained on the line with Dohn while emergency crews responded. At one point, he said water had risen to just below his wife’s neck, according to the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.

Dohn said he and his wife had been visiting their son and daughter-in-law in Liberty Twp. prior to the incident. Dohn said it was raining hard during their drive home.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or Hannah.Poturalski@coxinc.com.

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