NEWS

Tennessee driver who killed two set for September court appearance

Nick Bechtel
nbechtel@marionstar.com

WALDO – A Tennessee semitrailer driver who struck and killed two in a four-vehicle crash two weeks ago will return to court for a hearing later this month.

Randall E. Lee is scheduled for a Sept. 29 appearance at the Delaware Municipal Court for his involvement in a deadly crash on U.S. 23 at the Ohio 229 intersection just south of the Marion-Delaware County Line.

Lee, 58, of Christiana, Tennessee, pleaded not guilty to two charges of vehicular homicide, both first-degree misdemeanors, at the initial hearing Aug. 21. If found guilty, Lee could face up to six months in jail and a license suspension for up to five years, according to the Ohio Revised Code.

The driver also faces a charge of failing to assure clear distance ahead after he struck three vehicles on Aug. 20, killing Michigan residents Curtis Dixon, 69, and Patricia Dixon, 71.

Troopers from the Delaware post said Lee struck two vehicles from behind as they were stopped a red light. The semi continued into the intersection, hitting a pickup that was attempting to turn onto U.S. 23. Two of the vehicles overturned.

The Dixons were both in the first vehicle struck by the semi. Three others from the second vehicle stopped at the light and the pickup were transported to Columbus hospitals following the crash. Lt. Kevin Knapp, commander of the Delaware post, said they are expected to be OK.

Results from a toxicology report from drivers involved in the crash still are pending.

Lee is being held on a $15,000 unsecured bond.

The Ohio Department of Transportation removed “prepare to stop when flashing” lights from the intersection in December 2011. Although many have asked for those lights to return, unofficial data from the Ohio Highway Patrol show there have been fewer crashes at the intersection since the signs were removed.

nbechtel@marionstar.com

740-375-5155

Twitter: @NickMStar