Bender Sentenced To 60 Days In TOSRV Accident
5 months ago | 2099 views | 2 2 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print
By RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY

PDT Staff Writer

A judge in the Pike County Court of Common Pleas sentenced a Scioto County woman to 60 days in jail Monday after she was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident that killed a man in 2008.

Sara Bender, 36, of Lucasville, was charged in the death of Dr. William Crowley, 57, a Northville, Mich. physician, during the Tour of the Scioto River Valley on May 11, 2008.

Crowley was riding along U.S. 23 near Piketon and was traveling north in the right lane at around 7:50 a.m. when his bicycle was struck from behind by a 2005 GMC Envoy, driven by Bender. She then reportedly left the scene but returned and told the investigating officer she thought she had struck a sign.

Bender was found guilty on May 6 for failure to stop after an accident, but the jury ruled that they “do not find that the violation resulted in death to a person.” With this special finding, the verdict was reduced from a felony to a first-degree misdemeanor.

If the original third-degree felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident had prevailed, it could have resulted in one to five years in prison. Under the reduced misdemeanor charge, Bender could have received up to six months in jail.

Bender will report to the Ross County Jail to begin her 60-day sentence on June 26. She was also fined $1,000.

Crowley’s widow, Mary Crowley, told The Columbus Dispatch she thought Bender’s sentence was a slap on the wrist.

The Pike County Prosecutor was unavailable to comment on Monday.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or e-mail pdtwriter@ryanscottottney.com.
comments (2)
« porternorwich wrote on Monday, Jun 22 at 06:11 PM »
Yes, the death of this man was something that may have been avoided and is heart-breaking. Due to the decision making of the rider he chose to ride on Rt 23. The correct route for the TOSRV was Rt 104 until reaching Waverly going north. This individual also left before daylight which again was totally his decision and was against the rules. Im very saddened this happened and due believe it was a true accident. Driving any type of authorized means of transportation on a roadway is a privilege not a right. So the next time you get on the roadway think of all the other lives out their that are also in your hands. Make correct decisions and quit getting into such a hurry. These days people are constantly pulling out in front of others and running red lights and stop signs. If you always run in a hurry plan your day better or leave early enough to give your self the afforded time.
« canalmike wrote on Monday, Jun 08 at 05:54 PM »
A sad day for all. This really speaks to our car centered society. The outcome would have been much different had the trail been in Michigan.

The excuses for this "accident" make me not want to ride in (and spend money)in Pike or Ross counties.

This case adds to the saying "Ride like the next driver you see (or don't see) is trying to run you over."

Comment Guidelines
The Portsmouth Daily Times welcomes and accepts online comments on the basis of relevance to stories. However, derogatory remarks, name-calling, profanity, personal attacks and unsubstantiated statements serve no purpose in a discussion of issues of concern in the community and are not accepted, will not be posted and are deleted. When addressing issues of public concern, authors are advised to use statements of fact and focus on topics in an intelligent and clear manner. Comments are recommended to be less than 400 words. The Portsmouth Daily Times reserves the right to correct or edit comments for clarity as appropriate. When submitting comments, please allow at least 24 hours for posting. Thank you, The Portsmouth Daily Times

NOTE: selected comments submitted to the Daily Times Web Site may also be used in the printed edition of the newspaper on the Opinion Page, depending on space and relevant subject matter.
STOCK TICKER
Sponsored by:

featured businesses