Shortly before 5:30 a.m. on a recent Friday morning, Ohio Highway Patrol officers joined county deputies in responding to reports of a collision on Interstate 77. Troopers and deputies believed the driver of the at-fault vehicle fled the scene and began a search. A man was located who is believed to be the driver for whom they were searching. He now faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
Witnesses reported that several people fled the scene of the crash. For some reason, however, police became convinced that only the man they had in custody had fled the scene. The accident occurred when a northbound minivan crossed into the southbound lanes of the interstate and struck a pickup truck.
The driver of the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries suffered in the crash. The man in custody did not appear to suffer any injuries. An Ohio Highway Patrol officer reports that the 20-year-old New Philadelphia man was impaired when he got behind the wheel of the minivan that night.
This young man is facing serious felony charges that include leaving the scene of the crash, aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges. Of course, it will be necessary for prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was, in fact, intoxicated. However, before that can happen, authorities have to conclusively place him behind the wheel of the minivan. The man and his criminal defense team will have the opportunity to review all of the evidence and statements made regarding this accident, which could end up being used in court and could help in preparing his defense and refuting the charges against him.
Source: cantonrep.com, “Suspect ran from scene of fatal I-77 crash; victim ID’d“, Lori Monsewicz, June 20, 2014