COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKRC) — A woman is in custody on a $3 million bond following a wrong-way crash that resulted in a fatality on May 4.
According to authorities, Xiaoke Fan, 25, drove approximately four miles on Route 315 in the wrong direction before colliding with another vehicle. The crash killed 22-year-old Kaitlyn Spahr, a Columbus assistant city prosecutor, and left the driver seriously injured.
Prosecutors stated that Spahr and her companion were returning from a softball game when the incident occurred. During a court hearing on Monday, Spahr's twin sister urged the judge to deny bond, expressing concerns for public safety.
Prosecutors allege that Fan stole the vehicle shortly before the crash. Reports indicate that she approached a woman and threatened her to get a ride, claiming she wanted to find police. The driver managed to escape, and a short time later, the crash occurred.
Fan, who appeared virtually for her arraignment, is recovering from injuries sustained in the accident and remains in a wheelchair. Her defense noted she is a Chinese national in the U.S. on a student visa.
A plea of not guilty by reason of insanity was previously filed, but a procedural issue required that a standard not guilty plea be entered on Monday. The insanity plea may be refiled once a judge is assigned.
Fan is set to remain in custody, and if bond is posted, she will be subjected to GPS monitoring while awaiting trial.