Columbus Police Identify Man Fatally Struck by Reckless Driver Doing Donuts
Columbus, OH – Columbus police have identified the victim in a fatal accident involving a 17-year-old driver who was reportedly performing donuts and driving recklessly on the South Side of Columbus. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of 58-year-old Julio Garcia.
According to police reports, the crash took place around 4:50 p.m. on Marion Road near the Marion Square Apartments, just east of Lockbourne Road. Officers arrived at the scene and found Garcia unresponsive. He was rushed to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead at 5:18 p.m.
The accident happened when a 2007 Nissan 350 Z, driven by the 17-year-old male, lost control while driving west on Marion Road. The car veered off the north side of the road and struck Garcia, who was walking on the sidewalk. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage in the crash.
The teenage driver remained at the scene and was taken into custody. He faces potential charges, including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as other charges that may arise from the ongoing investigation. Witnesses reported seeing the teen performing donuts and driving recklessly before the crash occurred. Officers also noted signs of impairment.
Authorities confirmed there were other individuals in the vehicle at the time of the incident, but they are not currently being sought, as the driver is in custody. The investigation has revealed that the crash was not linked to street racing or any organized events involving donuts.
Under Ohio law, the teen could face charges of misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter or aggravated vehicular manslaughter. If convicted, he could face varying penalties, including jail time, a driver’s license suspension, or even a lengthy prison sentence depending on the severity of the charges. Aggravated vehicular homicide, particularly while under the influence, carries the possibility of a 2-8 year prison sentence and a lifetime license suspension.
The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the crash.
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