Patrol files charges in Fowler pedestrian injury crash

FOWLER

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said charges have been filed in a serious injury crash involving a pedestrian that occurred Sunday on Ridge Road in Fowler Township.

Russell Lauer III, 43, of Cortland, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault and felony leaving the scene. Troopers from the Warren patrol post were issued a warrant for Lauer’s arrest, taking him into custody at a family member’s home. He was in the Trumbull County jail Monday night and is to be arraigned Wednesday in Central District Court.

The patrol said Lauer was northbound on Ridge when he drove off the right side and struck Brittany Szwedko, 27, of Cortland, as she was walking southbound. Lauer fled but with the assistance of a witness and the Fowler Township Police Department, was detained until troopers could arrive. The patrol said Lauer was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Szwedko remains in unstable condition at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.