Closing arguments expected today in Linert case

YOUNGSTOWN — The Ford Motor Co. was expected to rest its case today, and closing arguments were expected this afternoon in the jury trial of the multi-million dollar civil lawsuit filed against Ford by Austintown Patrolman Ross J. Linert and his wife, Brenda.

The trial, now entering its third week, is before visiting Judge Thomas P. Curran of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The Linerts allege that the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor cruiser, which Linert drove when he was badly burned in a 2007 crash, had a fuel tank that was improperly located behind its rear axle, without adequate shields or guards and without a fire suppression system.

However, Ford’s lawyers argue there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that no vehicle is leak-proof, accident-proof or fireproof in a case, such as this, in which a drunk driver rear-ended Linert at 116 mph.