COLUMBUS – According to provisional statistics, eight people were killed in seven crashes on Ohio’s roadways this Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in the fewest deaths since 2018, when seven people were killed. The five-day Thanksgiving reporting period began on Wednesday, November 27 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Of the eight people killed, three were not wearing a safety belt and one crash involved impaired driving.
During the reporting period, troopers arrested 247 people for operating a vehicle while impaired. Troopers also issued 569 safety belt citations and 297 citations for distracted driving violations. Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers assisted 1,638 motorists.
Ohio State Highway Patrol and Michigan State Police teaming up to sideline impaired driving during The Game
OHIO/MICHIGAN STATE LINE – The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police are teaming up to sideline impaired driving during The Game on Saturday. There is definitely a rivalry between the two states when it comes to Big Ten football, but there is no rivalry when it comes to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.
In an effort to reduce fatal and injury crashes and to help keep the roadways safe this Saturday, troopers from both states will be cracking down on impaired drivers.
“The best way to keep the roads safe during this weekend’s Ohio State vs. Michigan game is for all drivers to make safety a priority,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent. “Whether you’re cheering for Scarlet and Gray or Maize and Blue, safe driving habits are key. By following speed limits, properly wearing a safety belt and designating a sober driver, we can ensure everyone enjoys The Game safely and responsibly.”
Whether you are heading to Columbus this weekend, or hosting a party, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Make sure everyone has a safe and sober way to and from their destination, and do not serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.
“There is absolutely no reason to drive impaired – ever,” said Colonel James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “Enjoy the game and the celebrations that come with it but please be responsible because lives depend on it. Protect yourself and others on the road by using a ride-share service or if driving, only drive sober, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt.”
No matter which team wins, you can be on the winning team by designating a sober driver or by making alternative transportation arrangements. Since The Game takes place in Columbus this year, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office is offering $20 Lyft rideshare credits across Ohio to curb impaired driving. The credits are made possible through a grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Motorists are encouraged to safely dial #677 in Ohio or 911 in either state to report impaired drivers.
Jackson Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle fatal traffic crash that was reported today, November 25, 2024 at approximately 11:54 AM. The crash occurred on Township Road 154 and Township Road 101, Jackson Township, Seneca County.
Stephen J. Hoover, age 64, of Fostoria, Ohio was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer west bound on Township Road 154. Mr. Hoover failed to yield to a stop sign at Township Road 101, traveled through the intersection and ran off the west edge of Township Road 101. Mr. Hoover’s vehicle went airborne, struck a yard and then a ditch. Mr. Hoover was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries.
It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Fire Department, Seneca County Coroners Office and John’s Towing.
Children left unattended in running vehicles can lead to abductions, AMBER Alerts
COLUMBUS – The Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee is reminding Ohioans that leaving unattended children in running vehicles, even for a brief period of time, can result in stranger abductions requiring an AMBER Alert activation.
From 2021 through 2024, of the 48 total AMBER alert activations in Ohio initiated by either the Ohio State Highway Patrol or Cuyahoga Emergency Communications System, six involved children being left in stolen vehicles.
These six stranger abductions were all the result of individuals, whether they were parents, guardians or caretakers, leaving children in running vehicles while the adult entered places of business for short periods of time. Activities included picking up pizzas, getting items at gas stations and dropping off siblings at day care or preschool. Each incident led to AMBER Alert activations because children were left unattended in running vehicles.
Vehicle thieves seek out targets of opportunity and take advantage of otherwise careful individuals. Unfortunately, in their impulsive rush to capitalize on opportunities to steal vehicles, these thieves do not take care to determine what is inside the vehicle.
“It is not safe to leave children in vehicles regardless of whether the vehicle is running,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Raines, who is a member of the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee. “Even though the likelihood is low of having your vehicle stolen while left running with children in the vehicle, any inconvenience to the adult is not worth the risk.”
Entering into the holiday season, the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee wants adults to consider their obligation to take simple precautions to ensure the well-being of the children in their care. Children should never be left in a vehicle unattended because, in addition to the risk of abduction, they can suffer heat or cold-related injuries, depending on the time of year.
The Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Ohio Department of Transportation; Attorney General’s Office – BCI, Missing Persons Unit; State Emergency Communications Committee; Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association; Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police; Ohio Association of Broadcasters; a victim’s advocate; a community member and a representative from a local/regional AMBER plan.
Bloomville Village – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal UTV crash that occurred in Bloomville Village, Seneca County, on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1:13 a.m. The crash occurred on College Street at its intersection with S. Prospect Street.
Jacob Maxhimer, a 22-year-old resident of Bloomville, Ohio was driving a 2020 CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Trail westbound on College Street when he went off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle overturned, and Mr. Maxhimer who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
Speed and alcohol use appear to be contributing factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca County EMS, Bloom Township Fire Department, Seneca County Coroner’s Office and Wilcox Towing.
BCI and Dayton Police Partner to Review
Cold-Case Homicide of Three-War Veteran
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — At the request of the Dayton Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a cold case review of the unsolved 2009 homicide of 85-year-old Army Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) North Woodall, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The military has an ethos that you don’t leave a teammate behind,” AG Yost said. “We’re hoping on Veterans Day that someone remembers something — they heard something or saw something — and will reach out to help us get justice for this American hero.”
Woodall, a decorated veteran of World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars, was killed on July 27, 2009, inside his home on Walton Avenue. Even though authorities collected fingerprints and DNA from the scene, the case went cold.
Fifteen years later, the Dayton Police Department, eager to do right by Woodall and his service to our country, is partnering with BCI’s Cold Case Unit to review the case.
DNA from the crime scene has been submitted to CODIS, the FBI’s national Combined DNA Index System, in hopes of finding a matching profile.
“All murders and deaths are tragedies, but this one in particular considering what Mr. Woodall had been through in his life, having served our country,” Dayton Police Maj. Brian Johns said. “Especially around Veterans Day, I would love to solve this case for Mr. Woodall, and for his family.”
Tips about this case can be called in to 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or reported here.
Vermilion – The Ohio State Highway Patrol Sandusky Post is investigating a serious injury crash that occurred on October 29, 2024, at approximately 10:35 PM on US 6 near mile marker 23 in Vermilion, Erie County.
Danny Elliott, 50, of Huron, Ohio, was driving a 1995 Dodge Ram with a malfunctioning passenger side door when he pulled out of the Patio Tavern Bar heading east on US 6. His passenger, Maxwell Patfield, 46, of Cleveland, Ohio, was not wearing a seat belt and fell out of the vehicle as they entered the roadway. Mr. Elliott drove over Mr. Patfield before stopping on the right side of the road.
Mr. Patfield was initially transported by Vermilion Township EMS to Firelands Hospital and later life-flighted to Cleveland Metro for his injuries.
The crash remains under investigation, with alcohol suspected as a contributing factor. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Township EMS, and L&M Towing.
Ohio State Highway Patrol to host regional testing for prospective applicants on November 7 in Ada
COLUMBUS – On November 7, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will host regional testing for prospective applicants on the campus of Ohio Northern University at the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center, located at 609 W. Lincoln Ave. in Ada.
Those interested in employment with the Patrol can come to the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center at 9 a.m., where they will have the ability to talk with troopers about a career of service in our communities and on Ohio roadways.
Those who meet the basic requirements to be a trooper – age 20 to 39, U.S. citizen, high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver license – will have the opportunity to complete an application and a written test during the event. If the written test is passed, applicants can proceed and take the physical fitness assessment on the spot.
Prospective applicants should arrive in appropriate business attire with identification and bring physical fitness clothing with them. This regional testing opportunity gives prospective applicants a chance to quickly complete the first few steps of the application process, bringing them closer to their goal of being a trooper.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol employs highly motivated and well -trained professionals who are committed to providing quality service to those who live, visit and do business in Ohio. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, becoming a trooper is the right career for you!
The Patrol is accepting applications for our next Academy Class. If you can’t make it on November 7, or want more details on the requirements or application process, call 1-866-TROOPER, scan the QR code below, or click here to start your journey with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Six individuals have been indicted for illegal voting in past elections, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The right to vote is sacred,” Yost said. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable.”
Special prosecutors with Yost’s office presented seven cases to grand juries last week:
Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton, was indicted in Cuyahoga County on one count of illegal voting. Patel lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2014, 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Lorinda Miller, 78, of Hudson, was indicted in Summit County on two counts of illegal voting. Miller is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Nicholas Fontaine, 32, of Kent, was indicted in Portage County on one count of illegal voting. Fontaine is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Ahmed Aden, 35, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Aden is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2008 and 2020.
Van Thuy Cooper, 53, of Hilliard, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Cooper is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2020.
Maria Dearaujo, 62, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Dearaujo is a lawful resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018.
Illegal voting is a fourth-degree felony.
“Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases,” Yost said. “We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”
A seventh case was presented to a Lorain County grand jury, which issued a “no-bill” indictment, declining to charge the individual. The uncharged subject, an Oberlin college student, was alleged to have voted in Ohio and Washington in 2018.
Ohio Revised Code 109.95 states that the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may initiate a criminal proceeding for election fraud for a violation of Ohio law “involving voting, an initiative or referendum petition process, or the conducting of an election” by presenting evidence of the violation to the county prosecutor. If the county prosecutor fails to proceed with the prosecution “within a reasonable amount of time,” the Attorney General’s Office may prosecute.
Each case was previously referred to the county prosecutor whose office has jurisdiction in the location of the alleged activity.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the cases. Ohio Revised Code 109.54 grants BCI authority to investigate criminal activity related to the conduct of elections when requested by the Ohio Secretary of State.
BCI continues to conduct investigations concerning voter fraud and has made additional referrals to county prosecutors.
Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
BUCYRUS, OH — The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash that took place on Tuesday, October 15, at approximately 1:28 p.m. on U.S. Route 23 in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County.
The initial investigation indicates that a northbound Ram ProMaster van, driven by Dara M. Larochelle, 38, of Powell, struck the rear of a marked Ohio State Highway Patrol Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe was operated by Trooper Jacob M. Teal from the Toledo Post, who was slowing down in traffic at the time of the collision.
Trooper Teal sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Larochelle, who sustained more serious injuries, was airlifted to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo for further medical attention.
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Upper Sandusky Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Danner’s Towing and Recycling, and Lemaster Towing and Recovery, LLC.
The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision.
Joe Lyons •
December 2, 2024
