Mansfield Man Enters Not Guilty Plea After I-71 Crash and Foot Chase; Faces Multiple OVI-Related Charges
ASHLAND — A Mansfield man who allegedly crashed his vehicle and fled from the scene on Interstate 71 in late November is now facing a series of charges as his case moves through Ashland Municipal Court.
Kalvin Gross, 31, appeared before Ashland Municipal Court Magistrate Fred M. Oxley on December 2, 2025, where he was formally advised of multiple misdemeanor charges including:
OVI — first-degree misdemeanor
OVI with a 20-year lookback — first-degree misdemeanor
Hit-skip — first-degree misdemeanor
Passing on the right — minor misdemeanor
Reckless operation — minor misdemeanor
Gross was informed of potential penalties, which could include up to six months in jail for each first-degree misdemeanor OVI offense, fines up to $1,075, a mandatory driver’s license suspension ranging from one to three years, the possibility of restricted plates, an ignition interlock device, and vehicle immobilization if prior OVI convictions are confirmed.
Magistrate Oxley explained each charge and its penalty, then asked Gross if he understood his rights. Gross confirmed he did and requested court-appointed legal representation. A follow-up hearing was scheduled for December 5.
Second Court Appearance — Plea Entered
Gross again appeared in court on December 5, this time before Judge John L. Good, where he entered a plea of not guilty.
During the hearing, Gross stated he was currently unemployed, claiming he lost his job following the crash. After assessing his financial status, the court determined he qualified for appointed counsel. Attorney E. Corley of Mansfield was assigned to the case.
A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for December 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Court docket filings show that Gross signed a waiver of judicial trial on December 2 and that the vehicle involved is not subject to seizure being the vehicle wasn’t his.
Incident Recap: Crash and Foot Chase on November 26
The charges stem from a November 26 crash and foot pursuit previously reported by ACP News:
Gross was driving a 2018 Toyota Camry when he reportedly attempted to pass vehicles on the right at a high rate of speed near the 189.4-mile marker on Interstate 71. The vehicle struck a guardrail, heavily damaging the car.
Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol say Gross exited the wreck and fled on foot toward State Route 89. Bystanders helped law enforcement track his direction, and he was taken into custody shortly thereafter by Troopers and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Gross refused all OVI testing.
No other injuries were reported.
What’s Next
Gross remains presumed innocent while court proceedings continue. His speedy trial deadline is set for March 2, 2026, according to docket records.
ACP News will continue to follow the case and provide updates following the December 22 pre-trial hearing.
