17-Year-Old Driver Charged with OVI in Ashland County Rollover Crash

Joe Lyons • November 3, 2024

17-Year-Old Driver Charged with OVI in Ashland County Rollover Crash

Mifflin, OH — A 17-year-old male has been charged with Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI), Child Endangerment, Fail to Control, following a late-night crash. The incident took place around 10:26 PM on 11 Main Street in Mifflin when the driver lost control of his 2014 Hyundai Veloster, which veered off the roadway, crashed down an embankment, and came to a stop against a tree, causing severe damage to the vehicle.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, the 17-year-old was driving westbound on Ashland County Road 30A when the car went off the right side of the road, rolling over before stopping halfway down the embankment. The impact was so severe that it nearly tore the engine from the Hyundai.

The young driver had two passengers on board: 18-year-old Lakisha Hall and a 3-year-old child, whose names have not been released.

Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Mifflin Fire Department, and EMS units from Hayesville and Richland County Mifflin Township, quickly responded to the scene.

The three occupants were transported to Mansfield Ohio-Health Hospital, where they were treated for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Due to the vehicle’s precarious position down the embankment, Aber’s Towing & Crane Service was called to the scene. They used a specialized rotator crane to carefully lift the damaged vehicle from the ravine.

The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially when transporting passengers.

Press Release:

Troopers Investigating Serious Injury Crash

Village of Mifflin – On Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at approximately 10:26 PM, a 2014 Hyundai Veloster was traveling westbound on Maine St. when it ran off of the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

The operator of the Hyundai is a 17 year old juvenile male, and was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital with minor injuries by Mifflin Fire and EMS.  A female passenger, Lakisha Hall 18 years old, from Mansfield, Ohio was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital by Mifflin Fire & EMS with serious non-life threatening injuries.  Ms. Hall’s 3 year old daughter was also transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital with minor injuries by Mifflin Fire & EMS. All three occupants of the vehicle were wearing proper safety belt equipment at the time of the crash.

Speed and alcohol are factors in the crash, and the crash is still currently under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were:  The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Mifflin Fire and EMS, and Aber’s Towing.  The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours.