WADSWORTH TWP. — A Lake Milton man was killed Monday evening in a head-on collision along east Interstate 76.

Justen T. Russell, 22, of Wadsworth, was driving west in an east lane of I-76 between state Routes 57 and 94 when his 2009 Scion TC struck a 2004 Chevrolet Impala driven by 57-year-old Robert L. Merold, who was pronounced dead at Medina Hospital, according to Sgt. Tim Dearmitt, of the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Medina post.

The crash occurred about 6:50 p.m. Monday. Dearmit said police are not sure why Russell was traveling west in the eastbound lane of I-76.

Russell, of 320 Elm St., was transported to Akron General Hospital by Wadsworth medics. A hospital spokeswoman said this morning he was listed in serious condition.

Dearmitt noted Russell appeared to have head and facial injuries and was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.

Alcohol was not a factor in the accident. However, drug paraphernalia was found inside Russell’s vehicle, the sergeant said. Charges against Russell are pending.

Two of the three lanes of the interstate between state Routes 57 and 94 were closed for about 45 minutes Monday evening due to the crash, which remains under investigation, Dearmitt said.

Contact Steve Grazier at (330) 721-4012 or sgrazier@medina-gazette.com.

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