Trucker charged after oversized load strikes Ohio overpass

A trucker is facing charges after his oversized load struck an overpass in Medina County, Ohio, last week.

The overpass strike happened around 3 p.m. on June 28 in Harrisville Township, Ohio.

Authorities say that 43 year old Texas-based truck driver Deshawn Johnson was transporting an oversized load on U.S. Route 224 when the load struck a highway sign and the U.S. 42 overpass.

No injuries were reported.

The overpass sustained significant damage due to the bridge strike.

“Through the investigation, it was deemed that Johnson was off his ODOT approved permit travel route and to also not have a lead vehicle with a height sensing device,” the Ohio Department of Transportation said.

Johnson has been charged with reckless operation, a permit violation, and over dimension, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.

ODOT says that US 42 southbound and US 224/SR 421 in Medina County will remain closed until further notice.