By Jon Johnson
PIMA — A local man escaped serious injury Friday afternoon when his dirt bike was struck and run over by a rental pickup truck at the intersection of 200 North and Highway 70/Main Street in Pima.
According to a Pima Police Department report, the crash occurred at approximately 4:32 p.m. on April 24.
Jonathan Ohzwaldt, of Pima, was riding a 2015 Yamaha dirt bike northbound on 200 North. According to a Pima Police reconstruction, he attempted to cross Highway 70 and turn westbound at a low speed of about 15 mph. As he entered the highway, he was struck by an eastbound 2025 white Toyota Tacoma traveling approximately 45 mph.
The impact pushed the dirt bike underneath the truck, where it was dragged a short distance into the center turn lane. Ohzwaldt remained pinned beneath the vehicle briefly before managing to crawl out on his own. He made his way to the shoulder of the road and lay down on his back until first responders arrived.
The truck driver was from Denver, Colorado, and was operating a rented vehicle.
Emergency Medical Services assessed Ohzwaldt at the scene. He declined immediate ambulance transport and instead had a family member take him to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and released.
The investigating officer determined that Ohzwaldt was at fault for the collision after failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
Traffic on Highway 70 was briefly affected in the area during the response and investigation. No other injuries were reported.
