(DEKALB COUNTY) - A 73-year-old St. Joe man was injured Monday morning after his vehicle rolled over while attempting to avoid a deer on State Road 1.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened at 7:23 a.m. in the 7200 block of State Road 1.
Investigators say James Erne was driving a 2003 Toyota Highlander southbound when a deer entered the roadway. Erne swerved to avoid the animal and successfully missed the deer, but the maneuver caused the SUV to leave the roadway and roll over.
The vehicle came to rest on its side.
Erne was able to climb out of the vehicle and was waiting for first responders when emergency crews arrived.
He complained of back pain and difficulty breathing and was transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $10,000.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Central Communications, Riverside Towing, Concord Fire Department, Parkview EMS and Spencerville Fire Department.