***UPDATE*** FATAL CRASH
Richland County, Mansfield – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a pickup truck Vs. bicycle fatal crash on Bowman Road just south of Hazelbrush Road in Cass Township, Richland County. The crash happened at approximately 9:15 AM.
The crash occurred when a pickup truck driving north on Bowman Road struck a bicycle which was also cycling north on Bowman Road. The occupant of the bicycle, identified as a 13 year old male, was killed as a result of the crash. The pickup truck fled the scene.
Bowman Road was closed between Hazelbrush Road and Miller Road for approximately three hours. The roadway was opened at 12:22 PM.
Shiloh Fire Department & EMS, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth Police Department, Richland County Coroner’s Office and Richland County Highway Department assisted on scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Mansfield Post is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying and locating the pickup truck involved in this fatal crash. The pickup truck is described as a black or dark green extended cab pickup which would have damage to the center to passenger side front end to include the head -light assembly. The driver side taillight was described to have red tape in place of the actual tail-light and a faded tail-gate. The truck was described as an early 2000’s model, Chevrolet or GMC, possibly Colorado/Canyon model pick up. The vehicle has be en seen in the area on other occasions prior to this crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash or the pickup truck involved, please contact the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
***UPDATE***
Following yesterday’s fatal hit-skip crash, numerous tips from the public came in to the Mansfield Post regarding sightings of possible vehicles fitting the description of the pick-up truck that was believed to be involved in the crash. Troopers worked diligently to follow-up on these leads and developed leads of their own. A combination of these leads and tips from the public ultimately led to the arrest of Bud D. Thornsberry, age 38, of Shiloh.
Thornsberry approached troopers while they were out looking for him. His vehicle was also seized and held as evidence regarding the fatal crash that resulted in the death of Luke R. Newswanger, age 13, of Shelby. Thornsberry has been charged with aggravated vehicular assault, tampering with evidence and failure to stop after an accident causing death, all felonies. He was incarcerated at the Richland County Jail and arraigned this morning in the Shelby Municipal Court.