Christopher Powell, 26, of Bellefontaine, was cited Tuesday, Nov. 19, for multiple offenses including obstructing official business after he reportedly left the scene of a two-car crash at Elm Street and west Sandusky Avenue, officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department report.
Powell was also charged with failure to stop after an accident and overtaking and passing to the left-of-center following the hit-skip crash.
Officers responded to the intersection at approximately 5:54 p.m. on a report of crash. The complainant, Lynzy Manning, reported that a vehicle had been following her closely and flashing its headlights before crossing the center line, passing her on the left and striking her car.
Manning was traveling with two passengers who told officers that after the collision, both vehicles stopped, and Powell approached Manning’s car, accusing her of cutting him off before leaving the scene without addressing the crash.
Officers later located Powell and his vehicle at his residence. Upon inspection, they found scratches on the right rear bumper of his car that matched the damage on Manning’s vehicle. Parts of Powell’s car had been wiped clean, which slowed the investigation.
Powell admitted to passing Manning by crossing the center line but denied causing the collision. He stated he cleaned his car to check for marks after Manning accused him of hitting her vehicle.
Despite Powell’s denial, measurements of the scratches on both vehicles and witness statements, supported Manning’s account. Powell was cited and issued a summons for obstructing the investigation.