COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A 17-year-old male is in custody following a crash Saturday that resulted in two fatalities, identified as Franklin Ward, 71, and Tessa Berry, 52, both of Columbus.
According to Columbus Police, the teen was fleeing officers attempting to initiate a traffic stop when he crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Hamilton and 19th avenues. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m.
Witnesses reported that the teenager was driving westbound on 19th Avenue and failed to yield at a stop sign, colliding with a Saturn carrying Ward and Berry, who were traveling northbound. Berry died at the scene, while Ward was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities stated that officers had aimed to pull over the Prius due to suspicions of involvement in a prior crime, but the driver fled, prompting officers to refrain from pursuing. Three occupants of the Prius, including the driver, were subsequently taken into custody.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as the Franklin County Coroner's Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted their investigation. Further details regarding possible charges against the juvenile driver are pending.