September 13, 2024

On September 12th, at approximately 11:41 AM, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 133 at Jervis Street in the Village of Woodman. The investigation revealed that Larry Bedward, 67, of Woodman, was driving his 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 southbound on Highway 133, towing a small utility trailer. Michael Tillotson, 50, of Bagley, was driving a 2015 Kia Optima directly behind Bedward.

Bedward slowed down and signaled to make a right turn onto Jervis Street. Tillotson, who was talking to his juvenile passenger, did not notice the brake lights or turn signal on the Dodge Ram or trailer. As Bedward was turning onto Jervis Street, the front passenger side of Tillotson’s vehicle collided with the rear of Bedward’s trailer. Post-crash inspection confirmed that all lights on the Dodge Ram and trailer were functional.

All individuals involved were wearing seatbelts and were uninjured. The Dodge Ram was undamaged, but the trailer sustained disabling damage. The Kia Optima suffered moderate front-end damage but remained driveable. Tillotson was cited for operating a motor vehicle without insurance and non-registration of the vehicle. He also received a written warning for inattentive driving.