The driver of this Chevrolet Malibu reportedly refused medical treatment at the scene, after it collided with a Ford truck, hauling a utility trailer. Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A teenage driver, who was distracted due to using a cell phone, has been cited for failure to stop at a stop sign and distracted driving (cell phone use) following the two-vehicle crash at 12:30 p.m. today, Saturday, May 14, north of Syracuse.

Grant Martin, 19, Elkhart, received the two citations from the investigating officer with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. Martin complained of minor pain and soreness and treated at the scene.

Crystal Knafel, 38, Goshen, driver of the landscaping truck, suffered head, neck pain and bleeding to the face and ear. A passenger in her vehicle, Krista Bontrager, 30, complained of neck and head pain. Both were taken to Goshen Hospital.

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office reports, Martin was traveling west on South County Line Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign with SR 13. His vehicle continued into the intersection, colliding with the northbound Knafel driven vehicle at a right angle. After impact the Knafel vehicle, owned by Dynamic Landscaping, went off the roadway into a ditch.

Syracuse Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Benton Fire Department assisted at the scene.