UPDATE: Deputy Injured in Deer Collision

A Muskingum County Sheriff’s Deputy was injured on Monday night when his cruiser struck a deer.

Deputy Darrin Bohn said he was following Deputy Jonathan Merry on the way to assist the Licking County Sheriff’s Office on a call around 6:30 PM.  Bohn said they were traveling on State Route 146 with their emergency sirens on when Merry struck a deer close to State Route 586.

"I just came across him sitting alongside the road," said Bohn.

Merry was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville with non life-threatening injuries.  Sheriff Matt Lutz told us the cruiser’s airbags caused minor burns to the deputy’s face.  Bohn said he has seen a lot of deer-related accidents on State Route 146 lately.

"You’re better to just slow down," said Bohn.  "I know the posted speed limit out here on 146 is 55 mph – just slow down.  I mean the deer could’ve easily went through his windshield, and we could’ve had a much different story than what we have now."

Bohn said Merry’s cruiser is likely totaled.  Merry was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.