U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the Toledo Democrat who holds the record as the longest-serving congresswoman in American history, was hospitalized Sunday after the vehicle she was riding in was struck in a hit-and-run crash.
Kaptur, 80, was a passenger on her way to a church service when the collision happened around 10:45 a.m. near North Detroit Avenue and Central Avenue in Toledo.
Her campaign manager, 26-year-old Kegan Zimmerman, was also in the vehicle and was taken to the hospital along with her. Both suffered injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
According to police, a vehicle traveling south on Detroit crossed into the path of the car carrying Kaptur and Zimmerman, causing the crash. The driver responsible fled the scene, and Toledo Police say they made significant progress identifying that person by Sunday evening.
What witnesses saw
A neighbor near the crash site, Morgan Valley, said she initially mistook the sound of the impact for a car hitting a water grate before running to her window and realizing two vehicles had collided. She described seeing an engine thrown across the street and a second vehicle resting in a nearby yard.
Valley called 911 immediately, saying the scene left her shaken enough that she feared the worst before learning both people involved had survived.
Kaptur’s office released a statement thanking Toledo police and fire crews for responding quickly, along with the medical staff treating everyone involved. Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle said he had personally spoken with Kaptur and was glad to hear she was doing well, adding that investigators continue working the case with cooperation from the community.
Political reaction pours in
News of the crash drew a wave of concern from political figures on both sides of the aisle. Derek Merrin, Kaptur’s Republican opponent in the race for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, wrote online that he was saddened by the news and asked supporters to join him in praying for her recovery and for others hurt in the crash.
Democratic Congresswoman Emilia Sykes said she was relieved to learn Kaptur and others involved were recovering well, and thanked first responders for their work. Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted also offered support, saying he and his wife were praying for a full recovery and expressing hope that whoever caused the crash would be held accountable.
A spokesperson for Kaptur said her office looks forward to more updates as Toledo Police continue their investigation, and that the congresswoman is grateful for the outpouring of support from constituents as she looks to return to her regular schedule soon.
