BURR OAK TOWNSHIP – A St. Joseph County woman was taken to the hospital after a two vehicle accident.

According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department, 36 year old Rebecca Smallwood was driving west on U.S. 12 at 6:35 Friday morning, and started to slow down to turn left onto Halfway Road. Another westbound vehicle, driven by 52 year old Richard Scharp Jr. of Manistee, did not see Smallwood start to slow down, and struck her from behind. Smallwood was taken to the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room for treatment of minor injuries.

Scharp was not injured. He was given a citation for violation of the basic speed law, and for not being able to stop within an assured clear distance. Both drivers were wearing their safety belts. Assisting at the scene was the Burr Oak Fire Department and Life Care Ambulance.