Bond was set at $1 million Tuesday for a man accused of fleeing the scene of a crash that killed a 77-year-old man operating a tractor last week.
Derek Baldwin, of Altoona, Iowa, appeared in Licking County Common Pleas Court after authorities arrested him Thursday. He faces an aggravated vehicular homicide charge in connection with the April 15 crash on State Route 79 near the Hebron village limits.
Investigators said Baldwin drove “recklessly” in a pickup truck when he allegedly cut off a group of motorcyclists, swerved, and then struck a tractor operated by Alan Kissell. Authorities said the impact “totally destroyed” the tractor. Kissell died at the scene.
Court documents state that Baldwin fled on foot. A witness who attempted to stop him told police Baldwin said, “My life’s over,” before disappearing.
Licking County prosecutors presented evidence that Baldwin had bought two beers at a nearby bar about an hour before the crash. When investigators located the suspect’s truck, they reported significant front-end damage and a “headprint” on the interior of the windshield.
Hebron police detained Baldwin after a brief search.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m.
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