CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A Crestline man is currently being held in the Richland County Jail on a $1 million bond in connection with a fatal road rage shooting that occurred on Sunday night.
Authorities have identified Wesley A. Patrick, 27, as the suspect, who was taken into custody at the scene of the incident. Law enforcement officials closed a portion of Lexington-Springmill Road between Bedford Boulevard and the eastbound entrance to U.S. Route 30, keeping the area secured for crime scene investigation until early Monday morning.
During a press conference held at the Ontario Police Department on Monday afternoon, Lt. Tony Grimwood provided details regarding the events that led to the shooting.
According to investigators, both vehicles were traveling southbound on Lexington-Springmill Road when they came to a halt. In what appeared to be a confrontation, Andrew Westland, 42, exited his vehicle and approached Patrick’s vehicle.
While the specific dialogue between the two men remains unclear, Patrick allegedly fired a shot from inside his car, striking Westland in the chest with a 9mm bullet.
Westland was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Patrick made his initial court appearance on Monday morning at Mansfield Municipal Court, on a charge of voluntary manslaughter. His bond was set at $1 million. Attorney Joshua Brown has been appointed to represent him.
Patrick is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday at 1:15 PM before Judge Michael Kemerer.
Crawford County Now will continue to follow this developing story as more information becomes available.