Officer found guilty in hit-and-run accident

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Columbus police officer pleaded no contest Monday in a hit-and-run driving case that knocked a teenage bicyclist unconscious.

A Franklin County Municipal Court judge found 44-year-old Lisa Smith guilty of the misdemeanor and set sentencing for March 31. She faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The accident occurred in November. Prosecutors say Smith was off duty when she struck 13-year-old Justin Richie in suburban Grove City. The boy says he flipped over his handlebars, hit the pavement and was unconscious for a short time.

Police reports show Smith called in sick that day and went to a Grove City bar where her son works to watch an Ohio State football game.