Man pleads guilty in hit-and-run death of Cleveland officer
Man pleads guilty in hit-and-run death of Cleveland officer
CLEVELAND
A motorist arrested in the hit-and-run death of a Cleveland police patrolman has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges.
Forty-six-year-old Israel Alvarez also pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges including driving under the influence and drug possession in David Fahey’s death on Interstate 90 on Jan. 24, 2017.
Alvarez was arrested after a Department of Homeland Security agent spotted his damaged car in a driveway. Authorities said Alvarez was driving around 60 mph when he struck the 39-year-old police officer, who was setting down flares to close the interstate’s westbound lanes after a fatal accident.
A message seeking comment was left Wednesday at the office of Alvarez’s attorney. His sentencing is set for Nov. 16.
County reports new spike of fatal overdoses
COLUMBUS
The coroner for the county that includes Ohio’s capital city is again warning of a spike in overdose deaths and encouraging friends and family members of addicts to obtain an overdose antidote.
Dr. Anahi Ortiz of Franklin County on Tuesday reported seven apparent overdose deaths in 24 hours in greater Columbus.
Ortiz notes that the antidote drug naloxone is available from pharmacies without a prescription. The coroner recorded a spike of 18 deaths in a week last month.
A record 4,854 people died last year in Ohio from heroin, fentanyl and painkiller overdoses.
In August, authorities say a mixture of heroin and fentanyl at an Ohio prison led to nearly 30 people being treated for drug exposure or suspected exposure.
Ohio panel on college affordability backs tuition guarantees
COLUMBUS
A legislative committee that studied how to improve college affordability recommends that Ohio’s public universities adopt tuition-rate guarantees for undergraduates and that the state discontinue a tuition freeze and instead limit how much those institutions can increase tuition.
The new report from a bipartisan panel of 10 lawmakers also suggests the state continue the Ohio College Credit Plus Program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while they’re in high school.
The committee’s chairman, Republican Sen. Steve Wilson of Maineville, says it’s important that Ohio make higher education and workforce training more attainable, with more jobs requiring a degree or certification.
The group considered input from college administrators, faculty and students at five public hearings over the past few months before sending its recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders.
Associated Press