Cincinnati, Ohio – A fatal crash in West Price Hill has ignited intense legal debate and emotional courtroom testimony after a 28-year-old driver accused of fleeing the scene appeared before a judge on Thursday. The case has drawn public attention due to conflicting findings in the police report and the serious charges now filed.
Fatal Crash Leads to Serious Criminal Charges
Jon Sergent, 28, is facing aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide charges following a deadly collision that claimed the life of Jerry Griffin. Despite the severity of the accusations, court documents and police reports indicate that the deceased driver may have been at fault for the crash itself.
According to investigators, the incident occurred at an intersection in West Price Hill, where traffic was controlled by flashing signals. Sergent reportedly had a flashing yellow light, while Griffin had a flashing red light, requiring him to stop before proceeding.
Police Report Raises Questions About Fault
The official crash report suggests that Griffin, identified as “Unit One” in the investigation, may have caused the collision by failing to yield at the flashing red light. Sergent, listed as “Unit Two,” was traveling through the intersection under a flashing yellow signal.
However, police also noted that Sergent is believed to have been speeding at the time of the crash. Investigators say this factor, combined with his actions after the collision, played a significant role in the charges being filed.
Driver Accused of Fleeing the Scene
Authorities allege that Sergent fled the crash site, leaving behind both the deceased driver and an injured female passenger who was riding in his vehicle. Prosecutors emphasized that failing to remain at the scene and render aid significantly escalated the legal consequences he now faces.
Court records further reveal that Sergent did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash and was already on probation, factors that weighed heavily during Thursday’s bond hearing.
Family Members Speak Out in Court
The courtroom grew emotional as two members of Jerry Griffin’s family addressed the judge directly, urging that Sergent remain in custody.
“I believe in justice. I believe in the court system,” said Michael Griffin, the victim’s uncle. “Because [Sergent] was gone for so long, didn’t turn himself in, didn’t stay at the scene, and didn’t do anything to show remorse, I think that he’s a flight risk.”
Family members stressed that leaving the scene of a fatal crash showed a lack of responsibility and concern for human life, regardless of who may have caused the collision.
Defense Pushes Back on Bond Amount
Sergent’s attorney argued that the police report itself raises doubts about criminal liability for the crash. The defense pointed out that the report clearly states Griffin had the flashing red signal, while Sergent had the right of way under a flashing yellow light.
“It does indicate, at least according to the police report, that unit one, which was unfortunately the person who passed away, potentially was the cause of the accident,” the attorney told the court.
Despite this argument, the judge cited the hit-and-run allegation, lack of a valid license, and probation status in setting bond.
Judge Sets $1 Million Bond
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ordered $1 million bond, rejecting the defense’s request for a lower amount. Prosecutors argued that the high bond was necessary to ensure Sergent’s return to court, given the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances surrounding his alleged flight.
The case is expected to move forward in the coming weeks, with further hearings likely to examine both the crash details and the decision to leave the scene.
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