OVI Checkpoints in Crawford

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
BucyrusE Mansfield St Bucyrus, OH 44820Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BucyrusOVI Checkpoint - Undisclosed LocationSat, Aug 20, 2022, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

 

About Crawford County, Ohio

Crawford County is located in north-central Ohio, between Mansfield and Marion. Its county seat is Bucyrus, with other notable towns including Galion, Crestline, New Washington, and Chatfield. Major highways like US 30, SR 4, and SR 19 pass through the county, connecting it to the rest of northern and central Ohio.

Several law enforcement agencies operate OVI checkpoints in Crawford County, including:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Bucyrus Post

  • Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

  • Bucyrus Police Department

  • Galion Police Department

  • Crestline Police Department

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Crawford County

Checkpoints are set up in areas with a history of impaired driving arrests, crashes, and high traffic volume. The zones below include detailed street-level references and landmarks familiar to local drivers.

US 30 – Bucyrus to Galion Corridor

Checkpoint Zone:

  • US Route 30, especially near Bucyrus and east toward Galion

  • Common setups near Nevada Rd, Lincoln Hwy, and Leesville Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Love’s Travel Stop (SE of Bucyrus)

  • Walmart Supercenter (1875 E Mansfield St)

  • Bucyrus High School

  • Bucyrus Railcar Repair Center

Why it’s targeted: US 30 is a high-speed four-lane route running east-west through the county. This stretch sees heavy car and truck traffic, especially between Bucyrus and Galion. OVI checkpoints are often staged just off US 30, near rest areas or intersections with Nevada Rd or Mansfield St, where traffic slows and officers can safely conduct stops.

Law Enforcement: OSHP (Bucyrus Post), Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

E Mansfield St & SR 19 – Eastern Bucyrus

Checkpoint Area:

  • East Mansfield Street (SR 19) from downtown Bucyrus to US 30

  • Key intersections include Whetstone St, Kaler Ave, and Southern Ave

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Bucyrus Community Hospital

  • Kroger (210 E Mary St, just north)

  • Multiple fast food locations and gas stations

  • Local motels and taverns

Why it’s targeted: This is a main commercial strip with a lot of vehicle movement in and out of Bucyrus. Checkpoints are commonly placed around Southern Ave or near the Walmart area due to open visibility and wide access roads. Law enforcement monitors for impaired drivers heading toward the highway or downtown.

Law Enforcement: Bucyrus PD, OSHP

Galion – Harding Way (US 30 Business) & SR 598

Checkpoint Zone:

  • Harding Way E and W, including intersections with SR 598, Portland Way, and Brandt Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Galion High School

  • Galion Community Hospital

  • Speedway and BP stations

  • Amann Reservoir Park area

Why it’s targeted: This area runs through the heart of Galion’s business district. Many drivers use Harding Way to move between neighborhoods or head out to SR 598 toward Shelby or Crestline. The intersection at Portland Way is often used for checkpoints due to multiple gas stations, a high school nearby, and good access control.

Law Enforcement: Galion PD, OSHP

SR 61 & SR 97 – Crestline Area

Checkpoint Zone:

  • State Route 61 and SR 97 near Crestline, especially by North Thoman St and County Line Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Crestline High School

  • Kelly Park

  • Crestline Railroad Depot

  • Dollar General and local eateries

Why it’s targeted: This is a rural-highway zone that feeds traffic into the town center, especially from Shelby and Galion. Crestline has several neighborhood taverns and back roads leading into farmland, which are commonly used after drinking. Law enforcement often sets up at intersections like Thoman St or North Wiley St, where there’s enough space and lighting.

Law Enforcement: Crestline PD, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

SR 4 – North of Bucyrus toward Chatfield & Tiro

Checkpoint Zone:

  • State Route 4 from Bucyrus north through Chatfield Township

  • Includes intersections with SR 103, Brokaw Rd, and Chatfield Center Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Rural bars and convenience stores

  • Farm supply stores and grain silos

  • Chatfield Evangelical Church

  • Township buildings and rest areas

Why it’s targeted: SR 4 runs straight through a rural portion of Crawford County. Drivers from Bucyrus often head north on SR 4 to reach New Washington or Willard. The route is patrolled due to its isolation and late-night use. Checkpoints are sometimes staged near SR 103, where there’s decent visibility and occasional traffic for monitoring.

Law Enforcement: OSHP, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

New Washington – SR 103 & SR 602

Checkpoint Zone:

  • SR 103 and SR 602 near the center of New Washington

  • Intersections like N Kibler St and E Mansfield St

Nearby Landmarks:

  • New Washington Town Hall

  • St. Bernard Catholic Church

  • Old-time taverns and corner diners

  • Buckeye Central School District

Why it’s targeted: A smaller town, but still active during local festivals, sports events, or summer weekends. These roads are a central connection point for rural residents heading toward larger highways like US 30 or SR 4. Police may conduct OVI checkpoints on SR 103 east of town where roads are straight and well-lit.

Law Enforcement: Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Crawford County?

Typical Days:

  • Friday and Saturday nights

  • Holiday eves: July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve

  • During local festivals like the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival or Galion Oktoberfest

Common Hours:

  • 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Checkpoints are usually announced one or two days in advance by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or the Crawford County Sheriff, and exact locations are often released same day to comply with Ohio law.