COLUMBUS – According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the number of rural traffic fatalities in Ohio this year has already exceeded last year’s fatalities. To date, 26 more people were killed in rural fatality crashes, as compared to the same time period in 2001.
The Patrol typically handles crashes on roadways outside of urban areas only, and therefore the rural traffic fatality number does not encompass all fatalities in Ohio this year.
“The Patrol is committed to reducing fatalities on Ohio’s roadways. Recent events, as well as higher traffic volume, have greatly increased demands for trooper services, yet Patrol manpower remains the same,” Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. “Motorists must help law enforcement by taking personal responsibility for their safety when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.”
Since 1974, the number of Patrol troopers has changed by less than two troopers per county. Yet in this same time the number of registered vehicles has increased 75 percent and total vehicle miles traveled grew 65 percent in Ohio. Of the 50 highway patrols and state police agencies nationwide, the Ohio State Highway Patrol ranks 46th in officers per total population and 47th in officers per registered vehicle.
“In addition to highway safety, the Patrol has taken on new protective service roles since September 11,” Col. Morckel said. “As Ohio’s only statewide law enforcement officers, troopers play a unique role in the continued homeland security efforts. At the same time, troopers are maintaining all services provided prior to September 11, 2001.”
Troopers said an increase in alcohol-related crashes, as well as motorists who do not wear safety belts, have contributed to the increase in Ohio’s rural traffic crash fatalities.
According to the Law Enforcement Automated Data System, there have been 339 alcohol-related fatal crashes and 377 deaths as a result of those crashes in Ohio from January to December 27 of this year. For the same time period in 2001, 333 alcohol-related fatal crashes resulted in 366 deaths.
COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will perform saturation patrols throughout the state during the New Year’s holiday in an effort to reduce impaired driving and fatal crashes in Ohio. Troopers continue to remind motorists – You Drink & Drive. You Lose.
“Let’s start off 2003 right by reducing fatalities on Ohio’s roadways. The rise in traffic crash fatalities this year in Ohio is a serious issue that is not receiving the public attention it merits,” Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. “The driving public must help law enforcement by taking personal responsibility for their safety when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe, obey traffic laws and designate a driver if you plan to drink this New Year’s Eve.”
Last year, 12 people were killed in 11 traffic crashes on Ohio roads during the New Year’s holiday weekend. All 11 killed, who had safety belts available to them, were not wearing them at the time of the crash. At least four of the twelve were alcohol-related crashes.
In Ohio, alcohol-related traffic crash fatalities increased from 350 deaths in 2000 to 375 deaths in 2001. Overall, traffic crashes are up in Ohio. To date, the rural death toll for Ohio roadways this year is 971, as compared to 945 in 2001.
Troopers throughout Ohio continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
Remember to call toll-free 1-877-7-PATROL to report aggressive and impaired drivers, disabled vehicles, or to receive highway assistance.
MARION – Troopers arrested a Marion Correction Officer today for attempting to convey heroin into the Marion Correctional Institution. Brent A. Bennett, 21, of West Jefferson, was charged with bribery and illegal conveyance, both third-degree felonies.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained
information that Bennett planned to convey illegal drugs into the Marion Correctional
Institution.
Troopers arrested Bennett at 1:50 p.m. today off of State Route 95 in Marion
when Bennett took control of the drugs and accepted $200 to convey two grams
of heroin into the institution.
Bennett was incarcerated at the Multi County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in the Marion Municipal Court on Monday. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
DAYTON – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers stopped a commercial truck driver yesterday who was wanted in connection with threats made against the White House. Secret Service agents said Norayr Avetisyan, 27, of Glendale, Calif., was charged federally in the Southern District Federal Court in Indiana and is awaiting his initial court appearance at U.S. Federal District Court in Montgomery County today.
The Patrol said Avetisyan was traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 when he made the threats during a conversation on his CB Radio near Indianapolis. Authorities from the Indiana State Police were contacted by a caller using cellular 911 who provided information that alleged Avetisyan was planning to detonate explosives at the White House that were part of the freight shipment he was transporting.
All area law enforcement agencies were notified and troopers opened the eastbound scales in Preble County in an attempt to stop Avetisyan. At 1:15 p.m., troopers stopped him at the scales. Authorities contacted U.S. Secret Service agents and FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force members that later reported to the scene. He was incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol teamed up with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), American Trucking Associations (ATA), and the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) earlier this year in Highway Watch, a federally funded program to improve both highway safety and homeland security. Highway Watch is a national effort that enables truck drivers to alert law enforcement officials to highway safety and security concerns.
Highway Watch drivers are trained to spot and report poor road conditions, unsafe drivers, medical emergencies, stranded motorists, and suspicious incidents.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s
assistance in locating two people possibly linked to a June armed robbery in
Delaware County.
On June 26 at approximately 3:30 a.m., an armed robbery occurred in the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Delaware County. The subsequent investigation linked two individuals to the victim through use of the victim’s credit cards.
Surveillance camera photographs of both individuals were obtained at a gasoline station and grocery store in Northeast Columbus where the individuals used the victim’s credit cards. One person is a white male and the other is a white female.
Anyone with information on the identities of these individuals is encouraged to contact Sergeant Kevin Brun of the Patrol’s Columbus District Headquarters at 614-799-9241.
FINDLAY – Early this morning during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in Wood County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol seized 43 pounds of marijuana from a felon wanted by the U.S. Marshall Service.
The Patrol charged Deighton Van Treese, 59, of Upland, Calif., with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony; possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony; and forgery, a misdemeanor.
The California Office of the U.S. Marshall Service has a federal warrant on Van Treese for robbery and escape. Authorities at the U.S. Marshall Service have been notified.
Troopers stopped a 1992 Toyota Previa driven by Van Treese for a traffic violation at 5:45 a.m. today on Interstate 75 at milepost 168 in Wood County. A Findlay Police Department drug-detecting canine indicated to the vehicle, and a probable cause search of the Previa revealed 21 compressed bundles of marijuana concealed in the vehicle’s side panels. The marijuana weighed 43 pounds and has an estimated street value of $100,000.
Van Treese is incarcerated at the Wood County Justice Center. He is scheduled to appear in the Bowling Green Municipal Court on Monday. If convicted, Van Treese could face up to nine years in prison, and up to a $17,500 fine.
COLUMBUS – Tpr. Joshua A. Weaver of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Granville Post received the Superintendent’s Citation of Merit at ceremonies held today at the Columbus District Headquarters. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, presented the award to Tpr. Weaver for placing his own life in danger to save a man from a commercial vehicle fire on October 30.
Tpr. Weaver responded to the scene of a commercial vehicle crash on I-70 in Licking County. Upon his arrival, he found the tractor engulfed in flames. He requested emergency assistance and then cautiously approached the trailer to determine if its load included any hazardous materials. Finding no indicators, he saw heavy smoke in the cab of the tractor.
Tpr. Weaver forced his way to the driver-side window of the tractor. He then used his flashlight to break the glass and allow some of the smoke to escape. When he pried open the cab door, he saw the driver trapped, but was unable to free him.
As the flames grew, a bystander gave Tpr. Weaver a fire extinguisher to fight the fire, but it had grown too large and intense. He then tried to use the victim’s coat to smother the flames that had engulfed the man, but that effort also proved futile.
Already suffering from smoke inhalation and burns on his hands, Tpr. Weaver reluctantly realized he had to retreat or risk losing his own life. Despite his heroic efforts, the victim died in the fire.
Tpr. Weaver joined the Patrol as a cadet candidate in September 1993 at the Zanesville Post. In February 1997, he entered the Academy as a member of the 128th class. Tpr. Weaver received his commission that July and was assigned to the Mansfield Post. He transferred to the Zanesville Post in February 1998 and to the Granville Post in February 1999.
A native of Zanesville, Tpr. Weaver graduated from West Muskingum High School in 1992. Tpr. Weaver resides in Newark and has a daughter Alexis, 4.
COLUMBUS – This upcoming holiday weekend, troopers will remind motorists - “You Drink & Drive. You Lose.” by increasing highway enforcement in an effort to prevent alcohol-related crashes and reduce fatalities on Ohio’s roadways.
As part of the National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization Dec. 20 through Dec. 22, troopers will hold saturation patrols throughout the state in areas with high amounts of impaired driving incidents.
“Fatalities in Ohio are up this year, compared to the same time last year. The Patrol is committed to reducing these numbers, but the motoring public must do their part to ensure safety on our roadways,” Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. “During the holidays, protect you and your loved ones by not getting behind the wheel if you are impaired. Law enforcement cannot act alone.”
Since 1974, the uniform strength of the Patrol has changed by less than two troopers per county. However, the number of registered vehicles has increased 75 percent and total vehicle miles traveled grew 65 percent over the same time period in Ohio. The state budget dictates the number of sworn officers permitted in the Patrol.
The Ohio rural roadway death toll to date is 950, as compared to 915 for the same time period in 2001.
Last Christmas weekend, 12 people were killed in crashes in Ohio. At least two of these deaths were a result of alcohol-impairment. Impaired drivers caused the deaths of 375 people last year in Ohio.
In honor of National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are increasing education and enforcement of impaired driving.
Also in recognition of 3D Prevention Month, troopers throughout Ohio will continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
TOLEDO – The Ohio State Highway Patrol seized 10 pounds of cocaine this morning from a Chicago man traveling on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County.
Gustavo Ocampo, 33, was charged with possession of cocaine, a first-degree felony; trafficking in cocaine, a second-degree felony; and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers stopped a 1995 Chrysler Concorde driven by Ocampo for a traffic violation at 10:32 a.m. this morning, eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 53. A Patrol drug-detecting canine indicated to the vehicle, and a probable cause search of the Concorde revealed 10 pounds of cocaine. Ten packages of cocaine were concealed in the vehicle’s spare tire. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $400,000.
Ocampo is incarcerated at the Lucas County Justice Center. He is scheduled to appear tomorrow in the Maumee Municipal Court. If convicted, Ocampo could face up to 19 years in prison, and up to a $37,500 fine.
CAMBRIDGE – Sgt. Roger L. Norris and Tpr. John T. Scanlon Jr. of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Zanesville Post received the Superintendent’s Citation of Merit at ceremonies held today at the Cambridge District Headquarters. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, presented the award to Sgt. Norris and Tpr. Scanlon for placing their own lives in danger to save the life of a commercial vehicle crash victim on May 1.
Tpr. Scanlon responded to the scene of a commercial vehicle crash on I-70 in Muskingum County. A bystander told him one of the trucks involved was on fire and its driver was injured. Tpr. Scanlon retrieved his first aid kit and fire extinguisher and rushed toward the tractor. He could see that bystanders had already emptied two fire extinguishers trying to slow the growing blaze. He then attempted to extract the driver from the wreckage, only to discover the victim’s leg was seriously injured and pinned in the steering column.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Norris arrived on the scene and rushed to assist Tpr. Scanlon.
As the fire began to intensify, Sgt. Norris and Tpr. Scanlon took turns using
a fire extinguisher to fight the flames.
Fire and emergency personnel arrived on the scene a short time later and successfully
put out the fire and, after more than an hour, freed the victim. Fire personnel
said the man would have died if Sgt. Norris and Tpr. Scanlon had not risked
their lives to control the fire.
Sgt. Norris joined the Patrol in February 1986 as a cadet dispatcher. In March 1988, he entered the Academy as a member of the 117th class. He received his commission that September and was assigned to the St. Clairsville Post. As a trooper, he also served at the Cambridge, Zanesville, and Lancaster Posts before being promoted to sergeant May 2000 and returning to the Zanesville Post. In 1992, he was named Zanesville Post Trooper of the Year.
A native of Zanesville, Sgt. Norris graduated from Zanesville High School in 1985. Sgt. Norris resides in Roseville with his wife, Sherrie and their five children: Jessica, Jennifer, Kayla, Kasey, and Sophia.
Tpr. Scanlon joined the Patrol in October 1998 as a member of the 132nd Academy class. He received his commission the following April and was assigned to the Bucyrus Post. He transferred to the Zanesville Post in March 2000. Tpr. Scanlon served in the Army and is currently a member of the Army National Guard.
A native of Newark, Tpr. Scanlon graduated from Newark High School in 1993. Tpr. Scanlon resides in Newark with his wife, Barbara and their three children: Timothy, Devin, and Kara.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to turn their headlights on all day tomorrow for "Lights On for Life" Day to remember victims of impaired drivers and show support of anti-impaired driving efforts. Troopers will participate by driving with Patrol cruiser headlights on all day.
“Fatalities on Ohio roadways are on the rise this year and we need all motorists’ participation to reduce deaths on our highways. Impaired driving causes hundreds of fatalities in Ohio each year,” Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. “Show your support for anti-impaired driving efforts by driving with your headlights lit all day.”
Last December, 1,523 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 36 deaths and 988 injuries in Ohio.
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. In honor of 3D Prevention Month, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are increasing education and enforcement of impaired driving.
Also in recognition of 3D Prevention Month, troopers across the state continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
Additionally, troopers will hold enforcement blitzes across the state in areas with high amounts of impaired driving incidents as part of National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization Dec. 20 to Dec. 22.
ATHENS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has charged Ronald Hamrick, 61, with driving under the influence and is awaiting toxicology results. Hamrick, of Logan, struck Tpr. Leonard Gray Wednesday on State Route 93. Toxicology reports typically require seven to 21 days for processing.
The Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office is considering filing additional charges on Hamrick.
Tpr. Gray was directing traffic at 1:58 p.m. yesterday at the scene of a jack-knifed tractor-trailer when Hamrick’s vehicle reportedly failed to stop and struck him.
Troopers took Hamrick to the Logan Police Department for questioning. A search warrant was obtained for his blood and urine. He was transported to Hocking County Community Hospital for testing. He was released from the Logan Police Department at 10:00 p.m.
“The Patrol greatly appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the Logan Police Department and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office,” Col. Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said.
Preliminary reports from Patrol investigators indicate that weather and road conditions do not appear to be contributing factors in the crash.
Tpr. Leonard Gray, 51, has spent his entire Patrol career at the Athens Post.
Tpr. Gray was initially transported to Hocking Valley Community Hospital and was later transferred to Grant Hospital in Columbus. Grant Medical Center reported today that Tpr. Gray’s condition is listed as serious.
For the most up-to-date information, please call the Patrol’s news line at 1-866-9HP-NEWS (1-866-947-6397) to access a recorded update.
COLUMBUS -- Members of the 108th Basic Peace Officer Class received training certificates in a graduation ceremony held today at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. The 32 class members will assume duties as peace officers for 20 Ohio agencies.
The 16-week basic course began on August 26, 2002. The course was developed by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council and offers comprehensive instruction in more than 150 topics, including criminal law, community relations, physical training, and patrol car operation.
Officer Adam A. Skaff, of the Bowling Green Police Department, was selected class speaker by his fellow class members, and addressed the assembly.
Five officers were honored for superior achievement:
Ohio Auditor Jim Petro was the featured speaker for the ceremony and addressed an audience of graduates, friends, relatives, and law enforcement officers.
Colonel Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and
Gary F. Joseph, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety,
joined Ohio Auditor Jim Petro in presenting certificates of training to the
graduates.
| Apo Sr., Derek A. | Strongsville Police Department |
| Arcuri, Mark K. | Westlake Police Department |
| Battle, Charles E III E. |
Cleveland Police Department |
| Benner, Stephen D. | Newark Police Department |
| Bertles, Steven B. | Fairborn Police Department |
| Betts, Daniel C. |
Westerville Police Department |
| Busemeyer, David B. | West Chester Police Department |
| Campbell, Michael J. | Strongsville Police Department |
| Cashman, Andrew E. |
Parma Police Department |
| Deskins, Nicholas P. | Grove City Police Department |
| Campbell, Michael J. | Strongsville Police Department |
| Cashman, Andrew E. |
Parma Police Department |
| Deskins, Nicholas P. | Grove City Police Department |
| DiGiovanni, William C. | Solon Police Department |
| Doddy, James A. |
St. Bernard Police Department |
| Eilerman, J. Patrick | West Chester Police Department |
| Eynon, Daniel L. | Westlake Police Department |
| Fenning, Michael T. |
Fairborn Police Department |
| Forney, Richard D. | Grove City Police Department |
| Ivory, Gregory V. | Springfield Police Division |
| Jones, Wiley L. B. |
Fairborn Police Department |
| Karovic, Edward K. | Steubenville Police Department |
| Lindsey, Chad M. | Beavercreek Police Department |
| McCarthy, William R. |
Lakewood Police Department |
| Mcdaniel, James A. | Centerville Police Department |
| Polzella, Thomas M. | Parma Police Department |
| Rump, Edward P. |
Piqua Police Department |
| Sawyer, Eric D. | Twinsburg Police Department |
| Skaff, Adam A. | Bowling Green Police Department |
| Smith, Anthony W. |
Gahanna Police Department |
| Stamm, Jason M. | Centerville Police Department |
| Sucher, Brandon B. | Trotwood Police Department |
| Weber, Jeremy B. | Piqua Police Department |
| Wilson, Christopher B. |
Strongsville Police Department |
| Yoder, Michael T. | Centerville Police Department |
What: Tpr. Gray’s wife to express appreciation for public support
When: 12:30 P.M., Friday, December 13
Where: Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy
740 East 17th Avenue (I-71 @ 17th Avenue)
Across from Ohio Expo CenterWho: Mrs. Shelly Gray, wife of Tpr. Leonard Gray
Steven Santanello, D.O., Medical Director, Trauma Services,
Grant Medical Center
Tpr. Gray, a 24-year veteran, was investigating a commercial vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on State Route 93 at milepost 6, south of Ewing, when he was struck by Ronald Hamrick’s vehicle.
At 12:22 p.m. Wednesday, the Athens Post received a call that a tractor-trailer on State Route 93 had jack-knifed, blocking both lanes. Tpr. Gray responded to the crash scene. Hamrick reportedly failed to stop, when directed and struck Tpr. Gray.
Tpr. Gray was initially transported to Hocking Valley Community Hospital and was later transferred to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
ATHENS – Troopers took a Logan man into custody today after he struck Athens Post Tpr. Leonard Gray, 51, this afternoon. Ronald Hamrick, 61, was driving a maroon 1990 two-door Oldsmobile when he struck Tpr. Gray on State Route 93 at 1:58 p.m. today.
The Patrol investigation of the crash is still underway, but preliminary reports indicate that weather and road conditions do not appear to be contributing factors in the crash. Hamrick is in custody, facing possible criminal charges.
Tpr. Gray, a 24-year veteran, was investigating a commercial vehicle crash on State Route 93 at milepost 6, south of Ewing, when he was struck by Hamrick’s vehicle.
At 12:22 p.m. today, the Athens Post received a call that a tractor-trailer on State Route 93 had jack-knifed, blocking both lanes. Tpr. Gray responded to the crash scene. Hamrick reportedly failed to stop, when directed and struck Tpr. Gray.
Tpr. Gray was initially transported to Hocking Valley Community Hospital and was later transferred to Grant Hospital in Columbus.
For the most up-to-date information, please call the Patrol’s news line at 1-866-9HP-NEWS (1-866-947-6397) to access a recorded update.
ATHENS – Ohio State Highway Patrol Tpr. Leonard Gray, a 24-year veteran of the Athens Post was struck by a vehicle this afternoon while investigating a crash on State Route 93 in Hocking County.
Troopers said preliminary reports indicate at 1:58 p.m. today, Tpr. Gray was investigating a commercial vehicle crash on State Route 93 at milepost 6, south of Ewing, when he was struck by a vehicle.
Tpr. Gray was initially transported to Hocking Valley Community Hospital and was later transferred to Grant Hospital in Columbus. His condition is not available at this time.
Additional information will be released, as it becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, please call the Patrol’s news line at 1-866-9HP-NEWS (1-866-947-6397) to access a recorded update.
CHILLICOTHE – A Chillicothe woman is scheduled to appear in the Chillicothe Municipal Court today for attempting to convey drugs into Ross Correctional Institution last Friday. Carla Scrivens, 40, was charged with attempting to convey drugs into a correctional institution, a third-degree felony, and possession of crack cocaine, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained information that Scrivens planned to convey illegal drugs into the institution.
Scrivens was arrested at 6:15 p.m. last Friday while attempting to pass two rocks of crack cocaine to an inmate through a fence at the Ross Correctional Institution.
Scrivens was incarcerated at the Ross County Jail. If convicted on all charges, she could face up to six years in prison and a $12,600 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
WAPAKONETA – Troopers arrested an Ohio Department of Transportation Treatment Plant Operator at a rest area on Route 33 in Auglaize County yesterday for trafficking in marijuana. John Jolly, 41, of Wapakoneta, was charged with two counts of trafficking in marijuana, a third-degree felony.
Patrol investigators developed information that Jolly planned to sell marijuana at the rest area. Yesterday, troopers confronted Jolly during a transaction at the rest area on Route 33, west of Interstate 75. Troopers seized a small amount of marijuana that was in Jolly’s front shirt pocket.
Jolly is incarcerated at the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office. If convicted, he could face up to sixteen years in prison, and up to a $30,000 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
TOLEDO – Three suspects, including two illegal aliens, will appear in the Maumee Municipal Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized approximately $226,800 worth of marijuana during two traffic stops on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County yesterday.
Jose Ramos-Lechuga, 23, was charged with possession of drugs, a second-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. Onofre Navarro, 37, and Armando Serrano, 35, were both charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana, a third-degree felony.
Troopers stopped a 2000 Nissan Frontier pick-up and a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe at 5:17 p.m. yesterday, eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 53 for equipment and traffic violations. A Patrol drug-detecting canine indicated to both vehicles, indicating the odor of illegal drugs. A probable cause search revealed a hidden compartment in the Nissan pick-up, which contained 29 bricks of compressed marijuana totaling 100 pounds.
Troopers are working with the INS to establish the residency of the suspects.
All three suspects are incarcerated at the Lucas County Justice Center. If convicted, Ramos-Lechuga could face up to nine years in prison, and up to a $17,500 fine. Navarro and Serrano could each face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
COLUMBUS
– Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, in association with the Cleveland
Browns are distributing a new safety awareness poster as part of a safety partnership
between the organizations. The Partners for Safety poster is being distributed
to coincide with the upcoming winter holiday travel periods and as part of the
second year of the Patrol's award winning Teen Driving Program.
"This partnership is an excellent way to remind the motoring public, and teen drivers specifically, by providing an anti-drinking and driving message to those traveling on Ohio roadways. We are grateful that the Cleveland Browns organization and coach Davis have joined us in this important safety venture in promoting safety and responsibility," Colonel Ken Morckel, Patrol superintendent said.
Cleveland Browns head coach Butch Davis, defensive back Corey Fuller, defensive end Kenard Lang, middle linebacker Earl Holmes and Tpr. Mark Neff, Highway Patrol Massillon District Trooper of the Year, are all featured on the poster, along with the slogan, "The Best Prevent Defense…Don’t Drink and Drive!"
“The best players are the smartest and the best prepared,” Cleveland Browns head coach Butch Davis said. “The best drivers are the smartest and the best prepared. Drivers should show good judgment by not drinking and driving. Always be prepared and wear your safety belt.”
As the school year continues, state troopers will be distributing the posters in high schools as part of safe driving presentations. A limited number of posters will also be available to the general public by stopping by their local Patrol Post. The Cleveland Browns organization also distributed posters at the Cleveland Browns Stadium during the December 1st game against the Carolina Panthers.
COLUMBUS – In observance of National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, troopers are giving impaired drivers notice: You Drink & Drive. You Lose.
This month, the Patrol will target impaired drivers in an effort to save lives by preventing alcohol-related crashes. Impaired drivers caused the death of 375 people last year in Ohio.
"The holidays will not be as enjoyable this year for hundreds of families in Ohio who will be without loved ones who were killed in crashes caused by impaired drivers this year," Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. "Impaired driving is a serious crime that costs Ohioans millions of dollars each year in emergency care costs, lost property and, most importantly, precious lives."
This holiday season, the Patrol has joined law enforcement agencies across the country to intensify the fight against impaired driving by joining the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. public education campaign. The Patrol hopes to save lives in Ohio and help reach the national goal of reducing alcohol-related deaths nationwide to no more than 11,000 by the year 2005.
Troopers are reminding motorists to designate a sober driver, hire a taxi, call a safe ride program, or make other responsible arrangements. Don’t drink and drive. Because if You Drink & Drive. You Lose.