Driver charged after crashing into deputy cruiser, COTA bus stop in north Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A driver has been charged with a felony after crashing into a deputy’s cruiser then striking a COTA bus stop and a utility pole in north Columbus on Friday morning.

The deputy’s cruiser was parked at a Mobil Mart gas station at 2727 Cleveland Avenue when it was hit at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO). The driver was backing out from a parking spot when it struck the cruiser then continued moving, fleeing down Cleveland Avenue at speeds up to 90 mph. A short pursuit ensued before the driver crashed into a COTA bus stop and a utility pole at Cleveland Avenue and East 4th Avenue.

Five occupants, including a two-year-old infant, were in the car and were evaluated on the scene by medics, the sheriff’s office said. The two-year-old was not injured but was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, while four others were transported for minor injuries.

The 20-year-old driver was charged with felony fleeing and child endangerment. The FCSO said more charges are pending upon further investigation. The owner of the vehicle was in the car, but was not the driver. None of the occupants of the car had a valid driver’s license, according to the FCSO. The southbound lanes of Cleveland Avenue between East 4th and East 5th avenues were temporarily closed and have since reopened.

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