At approximately 5:09 p.m., first responders were dispatched to private property near the intersection of Minnich and Maples roads.
Brian Poor, 54, of Fort Wayne, who had been operating a snowmobile on private property without the landowner’s permission had struck a ditch, causing him to be ejected while the snowmobile went airborne.
Poor, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center by ambulance. He is listed in serious condition with multiple fractures and internal injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Conservation Officers were assisted on scene by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA).
Conservation Officers remind snowmobilers to always wear a helmet and protective riding gear and to obtain permission from property owners before operating on their property.
For information on snowmobile and off-road vehicle laws and safe operating procedures, as well as the legality of operating snowmobiles and ORVs on public roadways, please visit https://www.offroad-ed.com/in/handbook/ and https://www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4431.htm.