Update: 11:59 AM 8/5/26
New details released by the Bellefontaine Police Department show that a man injured in Monday afternoon’s crash on West Columbus Avenue was not struck by a garbage truck, as initially believed.
According to the police report, officers were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. Monday to the intersection of West Columbus Avenue and North Elm Street for a report of an electric bicycle rider who had been hit by a garbage truck.
When officers arrived, Bellefontaine EMS was treating Calvin Davis, 61, of Columbus, while police secured the area and began interviewing witnesses.
Investigators determined Davis was traveling southbound on North Elm Street against the designated direction of travel on the one-way street as he approached West Columbus Avenue.
Witnesses told officers that when Davis saw an eastbound garbage truck driven by Daniel Zeigler, he abruptly applied the front brake on his electric bicycle.
The sudden stop threw Davis over the handlebars, causing him to strike his head on the pavement before sliding underneath the front of the garbage truck.
Police say Zeigler was able to stop the truck before it made contact with Davis.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the Bellefontaine Municipal Court, which captured the crash.
According to police, the footage confirmed the garbage truck never struck Davis.
Davis was transported by Bellefontaine EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment.
At the time the report was completed, his exact medical condition was unknown.
Police say Davis will be cited for failure to control and traveling the wrong way on a one-way street.
Because of his injuries, the citations will be served at a later date.
Bellefontaine Police have released new information about a serious crash involving an e-bike and a garbage truck that happened Monday afternoon at the intersection of West Columbus Avenue and Garfield Avenue.
According to investigators, the crash happened around 2:30 p.m. when the e-bike rider failed to stop at the intersection and slid into the garbage truck.
Police emphasized that the rider was not struck by the truck.
The rider suffered serious injuries, but authorities say they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Bellefontaine Fire and EMS stabilized the rider at the scene before transporting him to Mary Rutan Hospital for further treatment.
The intersection was closed for a time Monday afternoon while emergency crews treated the injured rider and investigated the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
