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Driver to face charges in fatal accident
By jeanne starmack
struthers
The man who was driving during an accident in which one of his passengers was killed will face charges at an arraignment Friday.
Robert A. Thompkins, 18, of Campbell is expected to be in court at 9:30 a.m., said Struthers Police Chief Tim Roddy.
He will face charges of involuntary vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor; failure to control; and operating an unsafe vehicle for the accident that killed Tyrell Freeman, 18, of Campbell.
The accident happened late the evening of June 10 as Thompkins lost control on a curve on the hill near Frank Street.
The minivan he was driving flipped end-to-end and then rolled several times down the hill, said witnesses who heard the crash and came to help.
All six occupants were thrown out. Three were released the next day from St. Elizabeth Health Center, and one remained in the hospital for several days. Thompkins was treated at the hospital.
Roddy said involuntary vehicular manslaughter is a lesser charge than vehicular homicide, which implies there was an additional circumstance such as speeding or alcohol consumption.
Alcohol was not a factor in the accident. Whether speed played a role has yet to be determined by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Roddy said. Police did determine the minivan had bad brakes, he said.
Freeman had just graduated from Campbell Memorial High School. He left behind a 1-year-old son.