Police: Charges ‘forthcoming’ in crash that killed Middletown woman

The investigation is continuing into a two-vehicle crash that killed a Middletown woman last week, but charges are forthcoming, according to Lt. Chuck O’Byron, post commander, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lebanon post.

Troopers are still gathering evidence and collecting statements in connection to the Sept. 18 crash that killed Betty Sandlin, 67, of Middletown, after a minivan went left of center and struck the Kia Forte she was driving on South Dixie Highway in Franklin Twp.

Emily Bell, 34, was the driver of the 2008 Honda Odyssey. She remains hospitalized and is listed in good condition, officials said today .

Her passenger, David Flinchum, 27, also remains hospitalized and is listed in fair condition.

Bell and Flinchum, both of Miamisburg, sustained serious injuries in the crash and were originally transported to Atrium Medical Center before being transferred to Miami Valley Hospital.

Neither were wearing seat belts, according to the OSHP.

Bell was driving north on South Dixie Highway when the minivan went left of center and struck the southbound car driven by Sandlin, troopers said.

Sandlin was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that happened shortly before 4:30 p.m. near the Stonyrill Lane intersection in Franklin Twp., just outside of Middletown.

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