An Ohio man is facing drunk driving and other charges in connection with a pedestrian collision in Boardman on Dec. 13. According to media sources, the 23-year-old man was allegedly “doing donuts” near the retail hub’s Southern Park Mall when he reportedly struck a bicyclist and fled the scene. He was scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 14.
The charges include operating a vehicle while impaired, hit-skip, reckless operation, driving under suspension, open container, improper handling of a firearm and obstructing official business. Sources say that law enforcement officials spotted the allegedly drunk driver recklessly crossing several traffic lanes on Market Street immediately after they received the accident report. Police records indicate that the man appeared to be “highly intoxicated” when they helped him out of his truck after making the traffic stop.
After the allegedly drunk driver refused to take field sobriety and breath tests, authorities sought a warrant to draw blood. According to the police report, the man had been taken into custody on allegations of OVI on two previous occasions. The report also noted that two open bottles of alcohol and a loaded handgun were found in the charged man’s vehicle during the police investigation.
When the man refused to submit to the roadside tests, he reportedly told police to speak with his lawyer. Because the penalties significantly increase for each successive OVI conviction in Ohio, people who find themselves facing similar drunk driving charges may want to discuss their options with an attorney. When a strong defense strategy is available, the attorney could potentially help the client obtain a dismissal or reduction of the charges or achieve an acquittal in court. If the prosecution’s evidence is strong, the attorney could negotiate a plea bargain in some cases.
Source: NBC4i, “Police: Drunk Ohio man ‘doing donuts’ hit bicyclist“, Dec. 14, 2017
